Capstone Course War and Strategy Staff Ride

Catalog description

Combines rigorous historical analysis, strategic reflection and experiential learning through an international staff ride examining a pivotal campaign in modern warfare. Each year, the staff ride focuses on a different theater and campaign, ranging from the crossing of the Rhine in 1945 to the Normandy campaign, Korea, Vietnam or contemporary battlefields. The 2025 iteration focuses on the crossing of the Rhine, emphasizing Operations VERITABLE, GRENADE, PLUNDER and VARSITY, which together marked the Allies' final assault into Nazi Germany. Students analyze leadership, coalition warfare, terrain, logistics and strategy at multiple echelons--from the tactical to the grand strategic--culminating in field-based oral presentations ('stands') and an integrative reflection paper. Features War and Strategy alumni who join the staff ride each year as co-participants and mentors, enhancing both the learning environment and professional network of current students.