Coast Guard students from the July convening of the Reserve Component National Security Course gather for a photo with Adm. John Mauger from Cyber Command and Master Chief Petty Officer Gee Williamson, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Reserve, at the pre-graduation reception. From left: Cmdr. John Boller, Lt. Cmdr. Sarah Ernst, Lt. Cmdr. Tim Brown, Lt. Cmdr. Arthur Hudman, Lt. Cmdr. Kenneth Harvey, Cmdr. Erin Christensen, Lt. Cmdr. Travis Thul, Lt. Cmdr. Kristen Boyle, Lt. Cmdr. Cassandra Tidden, Lt. Cmdr. Robert Price, Lt. Cmdr. Wes Burns, Adm. John Mauger, Lt. Cmdr. Scott Savela, Lt. Cmdr. Lukas Spurrier, Master Chief Petty Officer Gee Williamson, Lt. Cmdr. Meng-Tien Lin, Master Chief Petty Officer William Edson, Cmdr. Mark Stuart, Lt. Cmdr. Robert Conlin, Lt. Cmdr. Eric Meaders, Lt. Cmdr. Lucy Jimenez, and Lt. Cmdr. Tara Hunter. Coast Guard reservists participate in National Security Course Story by Lt. Cmdrs. Kristen Boyle, Sarah Ernst, and Mia Tidden In July, 20 Coast Guard reservists joined more than 100 other Reserve members across other service branches at the Fort McNair campus of the National Defense University in Washington, D.C., for the Reserve Component National Security Course (RCNSC). The two-week long course was designed to lay a foundation for students to begin exploring various topics related to national security, in addition to challenging them to think beyond the tactical and operational level and push toward more strategic-level thought. The curriculum consisted of lectures, panel discussions, seminars, group presentations and simulation exercises dealing with national security policy and defense resource management. Lectures were given by faculty members from NDU’s College of International Security Affairs, National War College, and the Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy. Given the breadth of topics covered and follow-on small group discussions, attendees were given the opportunity to gain a greater understanding of the complex and competing global threats that play such a major role in national security actions and policy. The final day ended in two seminar groups participating in a mock brief of a strategic gaming exercise using the information gleaned in the previous two weeks. Cmdr. Erin Christensen said, “RCNSC was a two-week crash course in national security, and it really opened my eyes to so many elements of security that you wouldn’t normally consider—things like water shortages in different parts of the world, implications of drone warfare, or the potential for climate refugees.” Each lecture was recapped in small group sessions of 18-20 members. To encourage all members to speak freely without worrying about rank, people wore civilian business attire during the course and introductions were made by name and service affiliation only. This allowed all participants to share ideas more openly. The course also included a day on Capitol Hill, which was a highlight for many students. The program included sessions held in room 216 of the Hart Senate Office Building with Rep. Anthony Brown and Sen. Tammy Duckworth, along with panel discussions with congressional staffers. In addition, the course provided the opportunity for networking and mentorship with senior leaders from all military branches. Lt. Cmdr. Tim Brown said, “The class itself was great but the best part was the ability to meet and learn from Coast Guard reservists and people from our sister Reserve components. It was a rare opportunity for east and west coast folks to discuss issues and share best practices.” RCNSC convenes three times a year and selection is made through a service-specific application process. Refer to ALCGRSV 038/19 for more application process details. Issue 2 • 2019 � RESERVIST 17
