Future Warfighting Symposium

The Future Warfighting Symposium (FWS) launches the U.S. Naval War College’s (NWC) academic year with a three-day presentation on emerging technologies, cyberwar, and space operations. FWS highlights the National Defense Strategy, which recognizes that rapid technological advancements are changing society and, ultimately, the character of war.

Todd Harrison speaks during the panel “Milspace Operation and Organization” during the Future Warfighting Symposium held at U.S. Naval War College, Aug. 8.
Todd Harrison speaks during the panel “Milspace Operation and Organization” during the Future Warfighting Symposium held at U.S. Naval War College, Aug. 8. The three-day symposium launches NWC’s academic year with speakers and panel discussions focusing on emerging technologies, cyber war and space operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Jaima Fogg/released)

About the Future Warfighting Symposium

Initiated in 2017 by Chief of Naval Operations' (CNO) mandate, the FWS gives the NWC the opportunity to further its training and education on new emerging forms of war, covering all areas such as nanotechnology, cyber and biological warfare, along with robotics and artificial intelligence.

The event also supports the CNO’s strategy as articulated in the Design for Maintaining Maritime Superiority and the Future Navy documents by challenging leaders to think innovatively about capabilities and threats in space, the global information grid, and emerging technologies such as nanotechnologies, biological agents, robotics, and artificial intelligence.

Upcoming Event

The three-day Future Warfighting Symposium responds directly to the CNO's call for increased education in the topics of Emerging Technologies, Cyberwar and Space Operations.

Most Recent Events

Peter Singer, strategist at New America, delivers the keynote address at U.S. Naval War College’s Future Warfighting Symposium, Aug. 9, 2023

Future Warfighting Symposium

Wednesday, August 07-08, 2024
U.S. Naval War College, 686 Cushing Road, Newport, RI 02841

The Future Warfighting Symposium launches the U.S. Naval War College’s academic year with a symposium on emerging technologies, cyber war and space operations.

Peter Singer, strategist at New America, delivers the keynote address at U.S. Naval War College’s Future Warfighting Symposium, Aug. 5, 2021.

Future Warfighting Symposium

Wednesday, August 09-10, 2023
U.S. Naval War College, 686 Cushing Road, Newport, RI 02841

The Future Warfighting Symposium launches the U.S. Naval War College’s academic year with a symposium on emerging technologies, cyber war and space operations.

Peter Singer, strategist at New America, delivers the keynote address at U.S. Naval War College’s Future Warfighting Symposium, Aug. 5, 2021.

Future Warfighting Symposium

Wednesday, August 03-04, 2022
U.S. Naval War College, 686 Cushing Road, Newport, RI 02841

The Future Warfighting Symposium launches the U.S. Naval War College’s academic year with a symposium on emerging technologies, cyber war and space operations.