WASHINGTON, PA (Feb. 9, 2012)—Washington & Jefferson College, in conjunction with the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh, will bring together members of the U.S. Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, to discuss national security at a panel discussion Feb. 15 at 4 p.m. in the Howard J. Burnett Center’s Yost Auditorium.
Each panel member will express his analysis based on his in situ experience as a practitioner as well as a broader assessment of a particular international and strategic problem, according to Robert Dodge, Ph.D., professor of history at W&J.
The discussion is part of the Eisenhower Series College Program by the U.S. Army War College. Panelists will include Col. Alfred F. Abramson, Comm. Michael S. Matis, and Lt. Col. Brian Scott.
From 2010-2011, Abramson was assigned to the Pentagon and served as the military assistant to the undersecretary of the U.S. Army. Previously, he served as the joint program manager for biological detection systems within the Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical and Biological Defense. Abramson was commissioned as a chemical corps officer and subsequently transitioned to the acquisition corps in 1996. He served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. His awards and decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Army Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Award and Army Achievement Medal.
A career reservist, Matis’ last assignment was the department head for plans and policy naval cooperation and guidance of shipping, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Norfolk, Va. Matis spent 18 years serving in various naval active and reserve assignments. He has been recalled twice to active duty for Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. He also has participated in various UN and NATO assignments in Haiti, Europe and the Middle East. In his civilian career, he was assistant research professor in the War Gaming Department at U.S. Naval War College. Additionally, he worked as a program analyst for homeland security for the U.S. Coast Guard as a mechanical engineer for Naval Sea Systems Command, and sailed in the Merchant Marine as an engineer.
Scott entered the Army in 1990 as an armor officer and subsequently changed his specialty to military intelligence. He is a veteran of military operations in Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan. His most recent assignment was at the National Counterterrorism Center, where he worked with the national security staff on the development and implementation of national counterterrorism policy and strategy. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Ranger Tab and Senior Parachutist Badge.
The event is free and open to the public.
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