James L. Cook

Professor National Security Affairs

Lt. Col., U.S. Army, Retired

Biography

Jim Cook is a Professor of National Security Affairs at the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. He specializes in Strategy, Military Force Planning and the Middle East. A retired Army Air Defense Artillery officer, Professor Cook is a graduate of the United States Military Academy, West Point, New York, and the Naval War College (College of Naval Command and Staff). He has served in a variety of command and staff assignments within the United States, Europe and the Middle East, most recently in Afghanistan. Professor Cook is an active participant in the Naval War College’s International Engagement program where he lectures on strategy and international security matters.

Contact Information

(401) 856-5346

Reveal Email

@Cookie6432

Areas of Expertise

Foreign Policy
International Relations
JPME
Middle East
National Security

Professional Highlights

2017

Associate Professor of National Security Affairs, US Naval War College

Develops and teaches curriculum for the Security Strategies sub-courses to senior- and intermediate-level military officers and civilian students. Serves as the National Security Affairs Final Exercise Coordinator and co-teaches the Defense Resource Allocation elective (FE 698).

2007

Military Professor of National Security Affairs, US Naval War College

Develops and teaches curriculum for the Security Strategies sub-courses to senior- and intermediate-level military officers and civilian students.

2005

Deputy Plans and Operations Officer for Combined/Joint Task Force 76 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan.

Directly assists and, when necessary, assumes responsibilities to plan, synchronize, and resource operations for a joint task force consisting of 20,000 U.S. Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines and 6,000 coalition personnel. Also served as Depty G-3 for the 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, NY.

2003

Military Professor (Directing Staff) at the Joint Service Command and Staff College, Shrivenham, United Kingdom

Responsible to teach intermediate-level joint British and international military officers about joint military planning, the conduct of campaigns and major operations in a theater of war, and the management of defense in the United Kingdom.

2001

Assignment Officer, Army Human Resources Command, Alexandria, VA

Human resources manager responsible for the worldwide assignment, management, and professional development of Air Defense Artillery Colonels and Lieutenant Colonels to meet Army personnel requirements and ensure maximum combat readiness worldwide.

2000

Air Defense Systems Integrator, Headquarters, Department of the Army

Responsible to integrate Army force requirements in terms of doctrine, training, leader development, organization, materiel, and soldier support for all joint air and missile defense systems. Manages the Army Patriot Air Defense System program worth over $3 billion.

1997

Battalion Executive Officer, 1st Battalion, 3rd Air Defense Artillery, Fort Stewart, GA

Second in command of a 620-person Air Defense Artillery Battalion with 60 weapon systems, more than 150 vehicles, and equipment worth in excess of $131 million.

1994

Plans and Operations Officer, Battle Command Training Program, Fort Leavenworth, KS

Responsible for development and control of threat organizations in support of computer-simulated warfighter exercises. Provides direct support to an Army training program designed to train senior leadership and subordinate managers in Army doctrine.

1992

Air Defense Analyst/Trainer, National Training Center, Fort Irwin, CA

Responsible for training and control of rotational air defense artillery units at the National Training Center. Conducts After Action Reviews (AARs) with the unit leadership to identify deficiencies and improve performance.

1990

Battery Commander, 1st Battalion, 3rd Air Defense Artillery, Kitzingen, Germany

Principle manager of 167 personnel with direct supervision of five subordinate managers. Responsible for the accountability of $11 million worth of government property. Supervises daily organizational communications, vehicle maintenance, food service and petroleum support.

Education

M.A., King’s College London, 2005, With Merit

M.A., U.S. Naval War College, 2000, With Distinction

M.A., Webster University, 1997

B.S., United States Military Academy, 1985

C.V. or Resume

Research Contributions and Publications

Another Anniversary Passes With Little Progress in Afghanistan
26 August 2023
The National Interest

What Do America's Allies Think of 'America First'?
11 June 2017
The National Interest

Foreign Aid Belongs in America's National-Security Toolkit
12 Mary 2017
The National Interest

From National to Theater: Developing Strategy
Co-author with Dr. Derek Reveron
Joint Forces Quarterly, Issue 70, 3rd Quarter 2013, pp. 113-120

Military Alliances in the 21st Century: Still Relevant after all these years?
Fall 2013
Orbis, pp. 559-573

2012 Defense Strategy Review and 2013 Defense Budget Request: Strategy and Fiscal Constraints
Winter 2013
Orbis, pp. 41-58

Publications by this Professor

Awards and Decorations

Meritorious Civilian Service Medal
2011

External Memberships and Associations

Naval War College Foundation

Association of Graduates
West Point

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