The College of International Security Affairs

NDU’s education doesn’t end when students graduate. Each year, alumni return from around the world to participate in the Alumni Continuing Education Seminar (ACES). They hear from experts and share their experiences, and their discussions improve U.S. national security and that of our partners and allies.

This year’s theme of Enduring Partnerships | Shared Strength will include plenary sessions on:

✔ Strengthening Ourselves, Strengthening Each Other: Building Shared Strategic Capacity for Security and Resilience: At the center of this discussion is a guiding question: How can allies and partners build the capabilities that make coalitions faster, smarter, and more resilient in a rapidly evolving and contested environment?

✔ Resourcing Security: This panel will examine key obstacles facing the defense industrial base and explore practical approaches to strengthening security cooperation and national security resourcing.

✔ The Future of Irregular Warfare: This panel examines the future of irregular warfare through three interrelated dilemmas that will define the character of conflict in the years ahead: the transformation of information and influence operations, the convergence of criminal, political, and insurgent networks, and the enduring evolution of insurgency and counterinsurgency across contested environments.

✔ A Revolution in Military Affairs, and Impacts on the Joint Force: The panel will explore if an RMA has occurred or is occurring amongst participants and interested parties in recent and ongoing conflicts.

Registration for ACES 2026 in Seoul, South Korea has closed. We are thrilled to welcome those who are attending in just 3 weeks!

Follow us to hear more about the event, and for announcements about future ACES participation.

We’re excited to have graduated the latest class of the Reserve Component National Security Course (RCNSC) with nearly 130 students this summer! 🎉🎓

For 50 years, RCNSC has prepared senior officers, NCOs, allied officers, and interagency civilians to navigate the complex challenges of national security. Across two intensive weeks, participants engage in 80 hours of lectures, panel discussions, seminars, on-site visits, and a simulation exercise — building critical insights into the joint and interagency environment.

With more than 17,200 graduates since 1976, RCNSC continues to strengthen the Reserve Component’s contributions to national defense. Graduates earn two Joint credits toward Joint Qualification, joining a growing network of leaders advancing security at home and abroad.

We look forward to seeing what you go on to accomplish! 👏🚀

📢 LAST CALL | JSOMA MA Program Applications (AY 2027–2028)

There's still time to apply to CISA's Joint Special Operations Master of Arts (JSOMA) program for the 2027–2028 academic year—but not much. Applications close in just a few days.

The JSOMA program is open to top-performing NCOs, Warrant Officers, Officers (all services and SOF branches), and support personnel assigned to Special Operations units who have demonstrated exceptional leadership potential and a commitment to continued service.

🗓 Application Deadline: July 31, 2026

Do you have what it takes? We encourage eligible candidates to apply before the deadline.

🔗 Learn more and apply here: https://socoe.libguides.com/edu/degree?fbclid=IwY2xjawTVqB9leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFHcHRrQzkxR29GUW9wOVl0c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPNTE0NzcxNTY5MjI4MDYxAAEei1wPNl6HIq9RwmqnWZGt8VQ2Jdi6nIEYO2JuKaJUyUvpoauEHU_4vnQmQ9k_aem_yv0r-xBYW4vkE55dn_iAJA

A message from the Office of the Chancellor:

As we approach the anniversary of the Armistice, we reflect on lessons learned from the war:

"The battle for legitimacy and for control of the narrative on the Korean Peninsula continues – the battleground remains contested, and we would be well served to both note and internalize the lessons of “the Forgotten War.” My understanding of the War will be forever shaped by my three days in Pyongyang, my peek into the pervasive and concocted narrative of those who continue to threaten peace on the Peninsula, and my continued fascination with how to mobilize and fight, alongside partners and allies, a war that seemed improbable – until it burst onto the world stage."

Read the full reflection from Chancellor Olson on the enduring relevance of the Korean War's irregular warfare legacy here:https://cisa.ndu.edu/Portals/76/%7BFINAL%7D%20Korean%20War%20Armistice%20Write%20Up.pdf

🌏 ACES 2026 | Enduring Partnerships | Shared Strength

The Alumni Continuing Education Seminar (ACES) brings together National Defense University alumni in senior leadership roles for a week of learning, dialogue, and professional engagement focused on today's most pressing security challenges.

Hosted in Seoul, Republic of Korea, from 31 August–4 September 2026, ACES 2026 offers alumni the opportunity to reconnect with classmates, engage with expert faculty, and exchange perspectives with leaders from across the globe.

This year's plenary topics include:
✔ Strengthening Ourselves, Strengthening Each Other
✔ The Future of Irregular Warfare
✔ Resourcing Security
✔ A Revolution in Military Affairs

At a time of rapid geopolitical change, the relationships built through NDU remain one of our greatest strengths. We invite alumni from every NDU college to join us in Seoul as we continue learning from one another and strengthening our global network.

🔗 Application: https://ndu.gov1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eRoWaHkAzh7Hbb8
💲 Program fee: $500
❓ Questions? [email protected] | +1 202 330 3643

🇺🇸🤝 ACES 2026 | Celebrating our International Fellows

Calling all International Alumni!

It’s time to return to the NDU community to further your education and strengthen your relationships with fellow graduates. NDU has over 5,000 international graduates from 152 countries. Participating in ACES 2026, you will hear from security experts from around the world, engage in meaningful dialogue around today’s security challenges, and strengthen your global network.

This year’s theme of Enduring Partnerships | Shared Strength will include plenary sessions on:
✔ Strengthening Ourselves, Strengthening Each Other
✔ The Future of Irregular Warfare
✔ Resourcing Security
✔ A Revolution in Military Affairs

We hope you can join us in Seoul, Republic of Korea from 31 August to 4 September 2026.

🔗 Application: https://ndu.gov1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eRoWaHkAzh7Hbb8
💲 Program fee: $500
❓ Questions? [email protected] | +1 202 330 3643

💡 Faculty Publication | Dr. Andrew Novo

We are pleased to share that CISA's own Dr. Andrew Novo recently presented his new book, Where the Mountains Burn: A Novel of World War II Italy, at the Calandra Institute at the City University of New York.

Using a fictionalized narrative set during World War II, the book explores the dynamics of insurgencies, resistance movements, and irregular warfare within the broader context of global conflict. Drawing on both historical insight and storytelling, Dr. Novo offers readers a compelling perspective on the human dimensions of war and the challenges faced by those operating in contested environments.

We congratulate Dr. Novo on this publication and his continued contributions to the study of irregular warfare, military history, and strategic security. 👏

🔗 Dr. Novo's book is available for purchase here: https://asterismbooks.com/product/where-the-mountains-burn-a-novel-of-world-war-ii-italy-andrew-r-novo

🇺🇸🤝 ACES 2026 | Celebrating Partnerships That Endure

Partners and Allies have been critical to the United States’ national security for the entirety of our 250-year history. From foreign support during the American Revolutionary War to modern international education and training like that done at NDU, security cooperation strengthens the U.S. and global security.

As the United States commemorates its 250th anniversary, ACES 2026 offers a unique opportunity to reflect on the partnerships, alliances, and professional relationships that have contributed to global security for generations.

For decades, International Fellows from around the world have studied together, served together, and strengthened the bonds between allied and partner nations. These relationships have helped advance shared security interests and remain essential in addressing today's complex challenges.

This year's theme, Enduring Partnerships | Shared Strength, recognizes the value of those connections and the role they continue to play in building a safer and more secure future.

Join fellow NDU alumni in Seoul, Republic of Korea, from 31 August–4 September 2026 as we celebrate both America's 250th anniversary and the partnerships that have strengthened our nations for decades.

🔗 Application: https://ndu.gov1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eRoWaHkAzh7Hbb8
💲 Program fee: $500
❓ Questions? [email protected] | +1 202 330 3643

💡 Faculty Publication | Dr. Geoffrey Gresh

We are pleased to share that CISA's own Dr. Geoffrey Gresh recently published a blog post for Yale University Press titled, "Japan’s Updated Vision for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific."

The article examines Japan's evolving strategic outlook and maritime priorities in the Indo-Pacific region, building on themes explored in Dr. Gresh's latest book, Leaning Seaward: Japan as a Maritime Great Power.

As maritime security and strategic competition continue to shape the regional landscape, Dr. Gresh's work contributes valuable insight into Japan's role as a leading maritime power and its vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Congratulations to Dr. Gresh on this publication and his continued contributions to the study of maritime strategy and international security. 👏

🔗 Read the blog here: https://yalebooks.yale.edu/2026/06/03/japans-updated-vision-for-a-free-and-open-indo-pacific/

🔗 Dr. Gresh's book is available for purchase here: https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300279757/leaning-seaward/

🇰🇷 Calling All Joint Forces Staff College Alumni

The Republic of Korea is home to one of the strongest and most enduring communities of National Defense University alumni. As ACES 2026 comes to Seoul, we are especially excited to welcome the many graduates of the Joint Forces Staff College who have contributed to strengthening military cooperation, interoperability, and regional security.

ACES 2026 is an opportunity to reconnect with classmates, engage with NDU faculty and subject matter experts, and join fellow alumni from across the NDU enterprise for a week of professional development and strategic dialogue.

This year's seminar will focus on:
✔ Strengthening Ourselves, Strengthening Each Other
✔ The Future of Irregular Warfare
✔ Resourcing Security
✔ A Revolution in Military Affairs

Whether you graduated recently or decades ago, we hope to see the JFSC alumni community represented in force in Seoul, alongside CISA alumni and the other NDU alumni communities.

📅 31 August–4 September 2026
📍 Seoul, Republic of Korea

🔗 Application: https://ndu.gov1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eRoWaHkAzh7Hbb8
💲 Program fee: $500
❓ Questions? [email protected] | +1 202 330 3643