U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Shawn White, 20 Jan 2020
Over the course of my career, I have had some incredible experiences to discuss strategy with some of the world’s most brilliant minds. One particular moment that really stands out to me is when I had the opportunity to sit in an off the record meeting, in a small, intimate group with a former Secretary of Defense, who I had previously served under. Although I did not agree with all the decisions he had made, through the conversation I came to better understand how he came to those life and death decisions. It was illuminating to hear him discuss the difficult decisions of his career and then his reflection upon in retirement. Ultimately, did what he felt was right at the time for American security and few people have been in such an important role under that kind of microscope. Learning from people with this kind of experience is the best means to prepare for future difficult decisions. This opportunity did not come as part of a formal military program but through a Young Leader program at a think tank.
Different types of thinking may impact our ability to learn. Approaches different people and organizations take to innovation can highlight ways to tackle a problem. Generally, creative thinking is one method, but specifically, innovative thinking can be another. This variety of approaches can be leveraged through a broad professional network, especially contacts out of uniform. Additionally, taking a long view is something we often do in academia, but as we begin our military careers we can often be conditioned to think tactically and not necessarily see the “big picture.” As we transition to the field grade ranks, we will be called upon more routinely to think more strategically. To ease this transition, we must seek out opportunities for professional development outside of the office. As we progress in our careers, professional development can take on several shapes – reading, writing, or podcasts. Where else can we find opportunities to think strategically?
One avenue I have found satisfying is participation in a Young Leader or Next Generation program. These programs, primarily through think tanks, can be a fulfilling means to take time away from the office and think strategically. Just like a variety of think tanks, these programs can have variations on speakers based upon their networks of individuals. However, I have found they try to offer a balanced set of speakers who represent both sides of an issue. These opportunities are not just for field grade officers but are open to all ranks. As leaders we can identify any high performer who meets the criteria and encourage them to apply.
Most programs seek Young Leaders, aged 25 to 40, with a focus on National or International Security, naturally lending itself to a military audience. Application processes vary but are straightforward and include the submission of a resume, cover letter or letter of interest and occasionally letters of recommendation. Some programs are self-submission, while others require a program alumni referral. As with anything, knowing someone in the organization or a program alumnus increases your odds of being selected. The cost of attendance is generally borne by the think tank, but some may require a fixed cost to the attendee.
The minority of Americans who interact with the military, even in the National Capital Region, is surprising and likely a compounding factor in the civil-military divide. These programs have an added benefit of exposing military members to alternative views and industries and conversely other professionals to military members. The applicant and alumni pool are not solely focused on National Security professionals nor the military, but rather a wide swath of professionals from various industries. The variety of professionals provide unique perspectives, which are generally outside of the structured training military members receive through professional military education.
These programs generally fall into two broad categories, one is DC-based monthly off the record dinners with current or former senior government officials and the other is a weeklong deep dive off site into the issues. I have participated in both types of programs and found them both fulfilling professionally through broadening my network. The former lending itself to those in the DC area and the latter available to anyone who has the flexibility to take a week or so off in the summer. The weeklong deep dive is essentially an accelerated version of the yearlong program. The DC based monthly dinner option is limited to those living in DC, which may be a silver lining to an otherwise undesirable PCS to the beltway There are also other invitation only events that come along to supplement the program. These range from discussion panels to book signings at the think tank.
The focus of these programs are generally current and future trends, threats, or opportunities. These trends could be faced by the U.S., France, Germany, or Japan or more generally to NATO, transatlantic partnership, or liberal democracies. The topics are not solely security focused but generally also delve into economic, educational, and technological corollaries. The diversity is furthered when the cohort is composed of multiple nationalities, many programs are comprised of Americans and members from the international community. The insight into civil-military relations of another nation are also helpful in thinking through means of improving our ties.
I have sought out and been fortunate enough to have been selected to a few of these programs in the last few years, both as a Captain and a Major. I have found them professionally enriching as they have made me a more innovative, strategic thinker and leader through peer interaction and senior leader discussion. As a Reserve officer I have spent most of my professional career out of uniform but generally in support of the Department of Defense. These programs help me better explain defense issues to those outside of the defense industry and challenge assumptions I may hold. The diversity of thought among participants is difficult to replicate and invaluable when opportunities to poll such brilliant minds for input to problems avail themselves.
Participation will expand your network, especially with individuals outside of uniform, and ability to think strategically. The initial benefit will be the close bonds created with others in your cohort. The topics and discussions at the event will make you a more astute thinker. I believe I have left each event with more follow up questions than I got answered, generally for peers. This is a rich, diversified group of brilliant thinkers that are incredible sounding boards for a variety of professional opportunities or current events. Additionally, it will allow you to tap into the greater network of those programs and the think tanks.
A Sampling of Programs:
Atlantik-Brücke
The Young Leaders Program
https://www.atlantik-bruecke.org/en/the-young-leaders-program/
Center for a New American Security (CNAS)
The Shawn Brimley Next Generation National Security Leaders Fellowship
https://www.cnas.org/next-generation-programs/nextgeneration
Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD)
National Security Fellows Program (NSFP)
https://www.fdd.org/national-security-fellows-program/
The German Marshall Fund of the United States
Manfred Wörner Seminar
http://www.gmfus.org/transatlantic-leadership-initiatives/manfred-w%C3%B6rner-seminar
Heritage Foundation
George C. Marshall Fellowship
https://www.heritage.org/george-c-marshall-fellowship
MAJ Cody Griner is a career intelligence officer currently at Special Operations Command Europe. An activated Reserve officer, he is on military leave from Deloitte, he has served in the National Guard and as a traditional Reserve officer with operational experience in Afghanistan, Germany, and Jordan.