The first Annual National Security Symposium at Valley Forge Military College’s H.R. McMaster Center for Security Studies brought together category experts to discuss U.S. national security issues — as well as security in homeland emergencies, and foreign affairs

Lt. General Michael Plehn, president of the National Defense University, provided the keynote address for the National Security Symposium.

“As the Military College of Pennsylvania, VFMC is an academic nexus for collaboration and partnership with several key players in the national security field”, said Robert F. Smith, Ph.D., M.Ed, provost, VFMC. “Our supportive and engaged alumni have gone on to serve in various branches of security, intelligence, and protective services, providing a foundation of experts who can enrich the education currents Cadets receive here.”

VFMC has developed partnerships aligned with national security, including the Pa.
National Guard, the Pa. State Police, the U.S. Army, the Central Intelligence Agency, and
various law enforcement entities, as well as other universities specializing in national
security.

Majors at VFMC include cybersecurity, national security studies, criminal justice, and engineering, among others.

“As an institution that facilitates discussions through hands-on, immersive educational approaches, we are preparing Cadets for careers in the 21st century military currently being reimagined at the highest levels,” said Sean Chambers, associate professor of English and assistant dean for faculty. “Cadets attending gained valuable connections to experts in the fields of intelligence studies, emergency management, and communication, and deepened their understanding about leadership in security and emergency situations.”

“This is an ever-changing field,” said Smith. “We intend for this symposium to be an annual event drawing in speakers who lead in this profession to accelerate our cadets’ education.”