Lieutenant Colonel Reto Wassmer is a Swiss Army Career Officer currently attending the National Defense University. His most recent assignment was as the Chief of Staff of the CBRN-EOD Center of Excellence.
Read more about Lieutenant Colonel Reto Wassmer’s personal experience during his time in Washington, D.C. and this U.S.-Swiss cooperation opportunity in his report below.
When the Swiss Armed Forces headquarters rang one Friday afternoon, offering me a spot in a prestigious one-year Master’s program at the National Defense University (NDU) in Washington, D.C., my decision was swift. The “Chairman’s University” is the premier military institution for high-ranking officers. It is a beacon of military excellence within the U.S. armed forces and internationally, including many renowned graduates like Colin Powell or James Mattis.
With the weekend ahead, I faced the task of persuading my wife and two kids of this opportunity. Still, by Monday morning, we were united in our decision to embrace this chance for growth and relocate to Washington, D.C., for over a year.
Idyllically situated at Fort McNair, where the Anacostia and Potomac rivers meet, NDU operates as a military education hub focusing on national security strategy with a robust whole of government approach, including students from the Department of State and many other agencies. Comprising different colleges with up to 700 students at Fort McNair, I was drawn to the Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy. Founded in 1924, this war college is the largest and oldest of the NDU, delving deeply into the intersection of national security and economic vitality, primarily focusing on industrial studies.
During my tenure, I expanded my expertise beyond traditional military domains, immersing myself in topics ranging from industrial mobilization to micro- and macroeconomic principles. Simultaneously, I delved into essential military subjects like National Security Strategy and Warfighting and focused on the autonomous system and robotics industry. The rich curriculum ensures a well-rounded educational experience with the advantage of fostering robust relationships and long-lasting connections with prospective senior figures in both U.S. and international military and governmental spheres.
At NDU, approximately 150 international students from various colleges participate in the elective American Studies, an immersive experience delving into the U.S.’s history, politics, and institutions. Through a series of enlightening field studies, ranging among others from New England, the Deep South, Montana, or Hawaii, we explore the rich tapestry of America’s diverse regions, gaining invaluable insights that deepen our comprehension of the nation’s complexity and particularly the influence on its security policy.
During the year, high-ranking figures from the Department of Defense, academia, and industry deliver enlightening lectures supplemented by literature that fuels in-depth discussions during seminars comprised of 12-16 participants. These seminars are meticulously curated to foster diverse perspectives, drawing from various military services, agencies, and international fellows from different continents. Through this dynamic exchange of viewpoints, participants gain a comprehensive understanding of complex issues, enriched by insights from a broad spectrum of backgrounds and experiences. My primary growth stemmed from delving into the strategic level of national security, a departure from my prior experience in tactical aspects.
My role in the seminar was multifaceted, offering both the European perspective and the viewpoint of a small yet economically robust and globally interconnected neutral nation. It was enriching to integrate the unique aspects of the Swiss Armed Forces’ purely conscript organizational approach into seminar discussions, with its priority on national defense and the support of civilian authorities as a versatile security tool.
This academic year has been nothing short of extraordinary, leaving an indelible mark on my personal and professional growth. Immersed in a comprehensive exploration of national security at a strategic level from a global leader’s perspective, I’ve honed my military and academic prowess, laying a solid foundation for future assignments. Moreover, the benefits of this year extended beyond myself, profoundly impacting my entire family. Witnessing our children seamlessly integrate into public school, forge new friendships, and expand their cultural and linguistic horizons fills us with immense gratitude. Living just a stone’s throw away from the ballpark has ignited a passion for baseball within the entire family, and we are exploring continuing my son’s flag football training in Switzerland. As we cherish our final weeks in Washington, we reflect on the profound value of seizing this remarkable U.S.-Swiss cooperation opportunity with everlasting fond and notably hospitable memories in mind.
Click here to find more information about the National Defense University’s International Fellow Programs.
