A half century ago, the Academy emerged as an intellectual leader in defense policy, fulfilling our early mandate to "anticipate the dynamism of the nuclear age, providing direction to the profession based on an intellectual understanding of the future an operational experience with the past."
Today, our security challenges are dynamic and chaotic, ranging from the most primitive forms of physical threats to the most highly technological and virtual. In order to lead effectively, our officers must be able to come to grips with an increasingly complex world. New challenges in fighting terrorism, in cyber-warfare, and in space require agile leaders who are able to adapt to the complexities of rapidly changing environments. Yet, in the past year alone, several studies have called into question the military services' ability to produce "strategic thinkers."
At this critical junction in our history, the Air Force Academy looks to the recently-established Brent Scowcroft Professorship in National Security Studies to advance the Academy as the leading undergraduate institution in the country, developing future leaders who understand not only the tactical requirements of their profession but the broader strategic and political-military context in which it functions.
The Scowcroft Professorship was established in honor of Lt. General Brent Scowcroft (USAF-retired), who -- among numerous other distinguished military and civilian appointments -- served as National Security Advisor to Presidents Gerald R. Ford and George H. W. Bush. It is resident within the Eisenhower Center for Space and Defense Studies at the Academy.
The Scowcroft Professorship is held by Dr. Schuyler Foerster, a '71 graduate of the Air Force Academy and a retired colonel, who taught for seven years in the Academy's Political Science Department between 1977 and 1989. With a doctorate in Politics from Oxford University, Foerster also served as an intelligence officer, political-military policy officer, and an arms control negotiator. Following retirement in 1997, he led the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh for over twelve years, garnering several national awards and civic honors.
Dr. Foerster currently teaches full time in the Department of Political Science at the Academy, with a particular focus on the core courses required of all cadets -- American National Government and Geopolitics. He also helps guide the development of defense and national security studies, most recently through publishing two forthcoming book chapters on deterrence in the 21st century and working on a new textbook on American Defense Policy.
Dr. Foerster mentors cadets as they prepare to compete for prestigious national scholarships -- especially Rhodes and Marshall Scholarships -- and provides support to enhance their internship and research opportunities. He recently led cadets on an Olmsted cultural immersion trip to Tanzania, examining the security and development challenges of this strategic east African country.
The common denominator of this work, notes Foerster, is to foster in our cadets a deeper understanding of the complexity of the world in which they will serve and the important roles they will play in shaping that future. "To have the kind of impact we hope they will have in their careers, our graduates will need to draw on every aspect of their Academy education, to integrate knowledge across academic disciplines, and to rely on their character and integrity to ask the questions that must be asked and do what must be done."
To learn more about how you can help with the Scowcroft Professorship, please contact jimmy.martello@usafaendowment.org.