National War College

The National War College (NWC) of the United States is a school in the National Defense University. It is housed in Roosevelt Hall on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., the third-oldest Army post still active.

National War College
Shield of the National War College
TypeFederal staff college
EstablishedJuly 1, 1946 (1946-07-01)
Parent institution
National Defense University
Location
Fort Lesley J. McNair
Washington, D.C.
,
United States
CommandantRear Admiral Cedric E. Pringle, USN[1]
MascotWarrior
National War College
Roosevelt Hall at Fort Lesley J. McNair, which houses the National War College
LocationWashington, D.C.
Built1903–07
ArchitectMcKim, Mead, and White
Architectural styleNeo-Classical;
Beaux Arts
NRHP reference No.72001535[2]
Added to NRHPNovember 28, 1972

History

The National War College (NWC) was officially established on July 1, 1946, as an upgraded replacement for the Army-Navy Staff College, which operated from June 1943 to July 1946. The college was one of James Forrestal's favorite causes.[3]

According to Lt. Gen. Leonard T. Gerow, President of the Board which recommended its formation:

The College is concerned with grand strategy and the utilization of the national resources necessary to implement that strategy. ... Its graduates will exercise a great influence on the formulation of national and foreign policy in both peace and war. ...

Mid-level and senior military officers who are likely to be promoted to the most senior ranks are selected to study at the War College in preparation for higher staff and command positions. About 75 percent of the student body is composed of equal representation from the land, air, and sea (including Marine and Coast Guard) services. The remaining 25 percent are drawn from the Department of State and other federal departments and agencies. In addition, international fellows from a number of countries join the student body. The curriculum is based upon critical analysis of strategic problem solving with emphasis on strategic leadership. Starting with the 2014–2015 academic year, the curriculum will be based upon a core standard throughout National Defense University.[4]

Because of NWC's privileged location close to the White House, the Supreme Court, and Capitol Hill, it has been able throughout its history to call upon an extraordinarily well-connected array of speakers to animate its discussions. All lectures at the National War College are conducted under a strict "no quotation nor attribution" policy which has facilitated discussion on some of the most difficult issues of the day.

Alumni and influence

Graduates of the National War College include numerous current and former flag officers, general officers, and U.S. ambassadors. Notable graduates include:

Roosevelt Hall

Roosevelt Hall (built 1903–1907) is a Beaux Arts–style building housing the NWC since its inception in 1946. Designed by the New York architectural firm McKim, Mead and White, it is now designated a National Historical Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

  • Roosevelt Hall of National War College

See also

References
  1. https://nwc.ndu.edu/About/Leadership/
  2. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. January 23, 2007.
  3. Garry Wills, Bomb Power (Penguin, 2010), p. 68
  4. Gregg Martin and John Yaeger, "Break Out: A Plan for Better Equipping the Nations Future Strategic Leaders", Joint Force Quarterly (April 2014), pp. 39–43.

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