NEWPORT R.I. – More than 50 students from Rogers High School in Newport visited U.S. Naval War College (NWC), March 27.
The visit provided students with the opportunity to learn more about NWC and expand their knowledge of world affairs, leadership and technology.
The genesis for the visit came from discussions late last year between Rear Adm. Jeffrey A. Harley, president of NWC, and Colleen Burns Jermain, superintendent of Newport Public Schools.
They both agreed that there is significant value in exposing the students to military personnel operating in various capacities at the college.
“It is important for the citizens of Newport to understand what is done ‘inside the gates’ at Naval Station Newport and NWC,” said John E. Jackson, the E.A. Sperry chair of unmanned and robotic systems at the college, who coordinated the visit. “We all take pride in being part of the Aquidneck Island community and want all of our partners to see the talented and hard-working men and women – both in and out of uniform – who work tirelessly every day in defense of the nation.”
During their visit students participated in a multi-faceted program, which included conversations with senior leadership, a discussion of international ‘hot-spots’, and a briefing on military uses of robotics.
They also had the opportunity to learn about the college’s use of wargames, and how they are used to consider future military alternatives. This was followed by a hands-on experience using a world map visual, laid out on the floor in McCarty Little Hall.
“We explained the roles that games have historically played in the planning and preparation for armed conflict and gave the students the opportunity to play computer-based tactical and operational level games similar to those in use today,” said Peter Pellegrino, a senior military analyst in NWC’s Wargaming Department.
The students ended their visit with a tour and history briefing at the Naval War College Museum.
In the future, NWC plans to reach out to other schools on Aquidneck Island to achieve the same level of engagement.