Strategy in Motion: The Policies and Tactics of Modern Warfare
Course Description
Foundations of Warfare:
As the lines between conventional and irregular warfare blur and adversaries employ increasingly sophisticated strategies, it is essential for policymakers to grasp the realities of military tactics and operations. Policymakers shape defense strategies, legislation, and resource allocation. A tangible understanding of warfare's complexities will enable them to make more informed decisions that have profound strategic implications.
Program Overview:
This certificate program is designed to provide policy professionals with a crash course in military tactics and operational realities. Participants will engage in seminars, case studies, and interactive simulations. These components will demystify the intricacies of modern warfare, focusing on challenges such as grey zone tactics, irregular operations, and great power competition.
Through practical exercises, participants will immerse themselves in the principles and dynamics that drive military strategy and execution. This experiential learning model will ensure participants gain firsthand insights into concepts often discussed but seldom experienced in policy circles.
Course Schedule:
Wednesday April 30: 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Thursday May 1: 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Friday May 2: 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Saturday May 3: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Sunday May 4: 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
Instructors
Garrett Exner
Garrett Exner is an adjunct fellow at Hudson Institute, where he writes and comments on US national defense with a specific focus on the use of special operations forces and gray zone competition. Mr. Exner is also executive director of the Public Interest Fellowship where he is responsible for the fellow selection process, fellow placements, relationships with partner organizations, and oversight of the development and educations of fellows over their time in the program. . He spent 14 years in the Marine Corps with deployments and operational experience in Iraq, North Africa, East Africa, and the South Pacific.
Rachel Mackey
Rachel Mackey is a research fellow at Hudson Institute, specializing in political philosophy and American politics, and the assistant director of Hudson Institute Political Studies. She writes primarily on ancient political philosophy and American bureaucracy. She received her PhD in political science from Boston College and BA in political science and classics from Middlebury College.
Brendan McBreen
Brendan McBreen is currently assigned to the Joint Staff. During his 25 years in the United States Marine Corps as an infantry officer, he deployed across the Pacific and throughout the Middle East. He commanded two infantry platoons, two infantry companies, a battalion, and led Marines on operations in 15 countries. In Afghanistan, he served as the senior combat advisor to the 201st Corps of the Afghan National Army.
Simulation
At the conclusion of the program, candidates will participate in an intensive simulation where they will utilize their new expertise and confront tactical and political questions that arise with the use of force.
Highlighted Modules
Intro: War Defined: Theory, Styles, and Elements of Warfare
Module 1: Maneuver Warfare: Gaining Advantage, Exploiting Success
Module 2: Forms of Maneuver
Module 3: Special Operations Case Studies
Module 4: The Vietnam War: Strategy, Operations, and Tactics
Details
Course Dates
Application Deadline
Rolling
Location
1201 Pennsylvania Ave NW Suite 400 Washington, DC 20004
Capstone Project
Candidates will showcase their newly gained policy insight by completing their choice of an op-ed or policy memo. Projects are due a week after the end of program and will be assessed by committee upon the basis of their strategic soundness, original analysis, and grasp of the policy area. The quality of this project will determine if candidates are awarded the certification.
Eligibility
Our Policy Certificate Program is seeking an accomplished cohort of early career professionals who demonstrate capability and interest in American foreign and domestic policy issues. The selection committee will consider a candidate's subject matter expertise, creative thinking, writing ability, and professional background. Applicants should hold an undergraduate degree and have demonstrated policy expertise or interest in one or more relevant areas.