The College of International Security Affairs

Home
United States
Washington D.C., DC
The College of International Security Affairs

Directions Website Contact the university

DoW flagship for irregular warfare education & partnership capacity-building at the strategic level.

10/16/2026

🦅🎓 Alumni Spotlight | Admiral (Ret) Hernando Wills

CISA was pleased to welcome Admiral (Ret) Hernando Wills (CISA Class of 2008) back to the National Defense University for a meeting with Chancellor Gregg Olson.

As a member of the CISA Alumni Executive Board and a cherished member of our alumni community, Admiral Wills continues to support the CISA community and strengthen the connections that extend well beyond the classroom.

We’re always proud to welcome our esteemed alumni back to CISA and grateful for their continued engagement and commitment to our community. 👏

10/14/2026

🦅🎓 Alumni Publication | MAJ Bryan King

We are proud to recognize MAJ Bryan King (JSOMA Class of 2024) for his publication, "Special Forces Deep Operations," featured in the Special Warfare Journal.

In the article, MAJ King examines lessons from Operation ABSOLUTE RESOLVE, arguing that while the operation demonstrated the potential for rapid, high-level effects, future Special Forces deep operations in large-scale combat operations (LSCO) should prioritize the persistent disruption of enemy sustainment and logistics rather than focusing solely on air defense systems.

This publication reflects the operational expertise and strategic thinking that CISA alumni continue to contribute to the profession of arms.

Congratulations to MAJ King on this outstanding publication—we look forward to seeing more of his work. 👏

🔗 Read more here: https://cisa.ndu.edu/Alumni/Alumni-Publications/Alumni-publications-view/Article/4560235/major-bryan-king-jsoma-class-of-2024-special-forces-deep-operations/

10/13/2026

The College of International Security Affairs (CISA) at the National Defense University is pleased to announce the application window for its 2027 Winter/Spring internship cohort is now open.

As a leading institution for professional military education in irregular warfare and international security, CISA prepares national security professionals to navigate today's complex and evolving security challenges.

Through its internship program, current undergraduate and graduate students have an opportunity to gain valuable experience in an academic environment, engage with issues shaping the global security landscape, and contribute to CISA's mission of educating the next generation of strategic leaders.

🔗 Explore the program and learn how to apply: https://cisa.ndu.edu/About/Internships/.

10/12/2026

📚 Chancellor’s Lecture Series | Dr. Dennis Walters & DASW Randall Harvey

CISA Chancellor Gregg P. Olson recently hosted Dr. Dennis Walters, Director of the Irregular Warfare Center (IWC), and Deputy Assistant Secretary of War Randall L. Harvey, Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for Special Operations Policy & Programs, for a Chancellor’s Lecture Series discussion on irregular warfare.

The conversation brought together senior leaders and practitioners to explore the evolving character of irregular warfare and the strategic challenges facing the United States and its allies and partners.

CISA students engaged directly with Dr. Walters and Deputy ASW Harvey, connecting the discussion to the concepts and challenges they are studying throughout their time at CISA.

We are grateful to Dr. Walters and Deputy ASW Harvey for sharing their expertise and engaging with the CISA community.

10/09/2026

🌎 ACES 2026 | International Fellows Hall of Fame

The National Defense University is pleased to welcome Admiral Kim Kyung-ryul, Chief of Naval Operations of the Republic of Korea, into the International Fellows Hall of Fame.

Admiral Kim is a distinguished alumnus of the Joint Forces Staff College, Class of 2012.

His induction celebrates his outstanding leadership and contributions to the Republic of Korea’s armed forces, as well as the enduring partnerships fostered through professional military education.

His induction helps highlight this year’s ACES theme of Enduring Partnership | Shared Strength, as NDU was able to induct him in his home country at ACES 2026 in Seoul.

Congratulations, Admiral Kim, on this well-deserved honor! 🇰🇷

10/08/2026

🦅 EAGLE EYE | Read the latest October Edition - https://mailchi.mp/1b97832c7222/eagle-eye-oct-2026-17450420

10/07/2026

🦅🎓 Alumni Publication | MAJ Ryan Walters

We are proud to recognize MAJ Ryan Walters (JSOMA Class of 2026) for his publication, "Winning the Systems War: Why the Army Should Reorganize Itself for Modern Combat," published by the Irregular Warfare Initiative.

In the article, MAJ Walters examines how the Army can adapt its organizational structure to meet the demands of modern warfare, arguing that future success will depend on the ability to integrate and synchronize systems across domains to outpace increasingly adaptive adversaries.

This publication reflects the innovative thinking and operational insight that CISA students and alumni contribute to the evolving field of national security.

Congratulations to MAJ Walters on another outstanding publication—we look forward to seeing more of his work. 👏

🔗 Read more here: https://cisa.ndu.edu/Alumni/Alumni-Publications/Alumni-publications-view/Article/4505307/major-ryan-walters-jsoma-class-of-2026-winning-the-systems-war-why-the-army-sho/

10/05/2026

🌏 ACES 2026 | Capstone: Participants Share Global Perspectives

ACES 2026 concluded with a Capstone exercise designed to put the week’s strategic conversations into practice.

Working in seminars, NDU alumni developed concise, executive-level arguments addressing themes and issues explored throughout the week. Four panels brought the seminars together in a point-counterpoint format, challenging participants to use logic and evidence to defend their positions and engage opposing perspectives.

The exercise culminated in a moderated discussion with all participants, creating one final opportunity to connect ideas across the week and consider their implications for allies, partners, and the broader security environment.

The Capstone reflected the spirit of ACES: bringing experienced leaders together to think critically, challenge assumptions, and learn from one another.

10/02/2026

🦅🎓 Alumni Publication | Commander David Vélez Altamirano

We are proud to recognize Commander David Vélez Altamirano (CISA Class of 2026) for his publication, "Drug Trafficking: Ecuador's Coastal Crisis," featured in the Journal of Counterterrorism and Homeland Security International.

The article explores the security challenges posed by drug trafficking along Ecuador's coast, examining the evolving criminal landscape and its implications for regional stability, governance, and maritime security.

This publication demonstrates the analytical excellence and global perspective that CISA students bring to today's complex security environment.

Congratulations to Commander Vélez Altamirano on this outstanding accomplishment—we look forward to seeing more of his work. 👏

🔗 Read more here: https://cisa.ndu.edu/Alumni/Alumni-Publications/Alumni-publications-view/Article/4447195/commander-david-vlez-altamirano-class-of-2026-drug-trafficking-ecuadors-coastal/

09/30/2026

🎖️ Celebrating 36 Years of Service | COL David Rapone

CISA was proud to celebrate COL David Rapone as he marked his retirement from the U.S. Army after 36 years of dedicated service to the Army, and to the United States.

COL Rapone began his military career as an enlisted Soldier in the airborne infantry in 1990 before commissioning as an Armor Officer in 1996. Since 2010, he has served as an Army Strategist, with assignments spanning operational planning, strategic policy, and professional military education—including three deployments in support of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and, most recently, as Deputy Director for Strategy and Plans for Combined Joint Task Force–Operation Inherent Resolve.

While we congratulate COL Rapone on his military retirement, we’re especially pleased that he will continue his service to the CISA community as our Associate Dean of Academics, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair, and Assistant Professor.

We are grateful for COL Rapone’s 36 years of service, leadership, and expertise—and look forward to all he will continue to contribute to the next generation of national security leaders at CISA. 🇺🇸👏

Address

Abraham Lincoln Hall, Ft Lesley J McNair
Washington D.C., DC
20319

Website

http://cisa.ndu.edu/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The College of International Security Affairs posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The University

Send a message to The College of International Security Affairs:

Want your university to be the top-listed university in Washington D.C.?