In May 2023, graduate and undergraduate students from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs joined cadets from the Air Force Academy’s Martinson Honors Program in the first ever N3SP Staff Ride in Washington DC. A “staff ride” traditionally refers to the practice of military officers studying a significant historical battle by visiting the site in person and discussing the units and commanders as part of a rolling, interactive discussion.
In this case, the “battle” is a metaphor for the shaping of national security policy by a variety of institutions and processes. The students had the opportunity to visit and learn from both civilian and military leaders in Congress, the State Department, the Pentagon. the National Security Council and think-tanks in the Washington DC area. They also visited the National Archives and Arlington National Cemetery.
UCCS Students with Representative Doug Lamborn, 5th District, Colorado
Air Force Academy Cadets with Colorado Representative Doug Lamborn 5th District, Colorado