NEWPORT, R.I. – The 2018-2019 academic year welcomed about 530 joint service and international students during a convocation ceremony at the U.S. Naval War College (NWC) August 13. The incoming resident class is comprised of members from the Navy, Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, as well as federal civilians and international students from 73 countries.
“Today, we use the word [convocation] to simply mark the formal occasion of welcoming our new students, and to serve as public recognition that our shared intellectual journey is about to begin,” said Rear Adm. Jeffrey Harley, president, U.S. Naval War College. “Each of you arrived at this point in your careers by following very different paths. It is those different and varied paths, however, which have brought you here together at the U.S. Naval War College. Together, over the next 10 months, you will share the same path, and in the process also share with your colleagues the expertise and knowledge that you have acquired on your experiential journey up to this point.”
“During your time here, I hope you will endeavor to understand the many faces of war,” Harley later added.
This event constituted an important component of the in-residence program at NWC. NWC’s 10-month Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) programs have developed dedicated decision makers and problem solvers since 1884, making the college the oldest institution of its kind. In addition to students in residence, NWC’s distance education program graduates over 1,000 students each year. After rigorous study, students earn JPME credit and either a diploma or a master’s degree in National Security and Strategic Studies.
The ceremony also served as an opportunity to recognize retired Adm. Scott H. Swift as the recipient of NWC’s distinguished graduate leadership award.