Presidential visit for leadership program

The inaugural class of the Laboratory's National Security Leadership Program (NSLP) recently returned from Texas A&M University after completing the year-long program conducted by the Bush School of Government and Public Service. 

A highlight of the program was their meeting with former President George H.W. Bush at his office in Houston last week. The fellows discussed the NSLP and the Laboratory's role in national security with the president who regaled them with his wit and personal stories.

In addition to meeting with President Bush, the fellows participated in a capstone exercise that simulated the illicit transport of nuclear weapons materials. This National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)-sponsored exercise was built around a fictional scenario that tested the diplomatic limits of the Proliferation Security Initiative, which is a voluntary international effort aimed at stopping the trafficking of weapons of mass destruction. The fellows were assigned to country-specific teams consisting of Bush School faculty and students and worked in real time to negotiate solutions to the simulated scenario.

"I am extremely happy that I was able to participate in the program," program participant Greg Herweg said. "The quality of instructors at the Bush School, combined with the significance of the security-related course topics, made for an incredible broadening experience.

"I believe that LLNL investing in education regarding national security-related policy issues is an essential component in the future success of the Laboratory," he added.

Steven Bradley also participated in the program and said he now has a better understanding of the complex national security issues that face the nation today and the challenges ahead.

"The program exposed me to the rich history of national security matters, international relations and diplomacy in the United States throughout the 20th century,"  Bradley said.

The NSLP was created in collaboration with Texas A&M to provide LLNL staff with mission-relevant, continuous workforce improvement and leadership enhancement. During the intensive in-residence program last June, the fellows were immersed in deterrence theory and the role of intelligence in national security. This intensive portion of the program was followed by courses in terrorism and national security policy that were delivered to LLNL by teleconference during the fall and spring semesters. The courses included formal lectures, discussions, in-depth readings, briefings and the performance of individual research projects.

Graduates of the program, in addition to Herweg and Bradley, include: Tom Anklam, Danielle Poulin, Brian Cracchiola, Jennifer Swenson, John Knezovich and Kim Budil.  They have each received a graduate certificate from Texas A&M in national security affairs and continue to be designated as fellows of the Scowcroft Institute of International Affairs at the Bush School.

The NSLP is an ongoing program for which the Laboratory selects a new group of participants each year. The next group of fellows will be attending the in-residence portion of the program in June.