One judges the success of any program by measuring its value and worth. Hallmarks of past NSS programs have included measuring performance through continuous evaluation using survey instruments that allow participants an opportunity to describe impressions of their course experience. Following are excerpts from comments provided by past NSS participants and distinguished guest speakers.

NSS Testimonials

“The quality of the guest speakers, program administration, and focus on strategic issues is second to none.”
-- Colonel Steve Coppinger, NSLC 2001

“…extraordinary facilitation of a highly professional executive broadening experience.  My NSS experience will pay dividends for me and the DoD for years to come.  You had the right speakers and topics throughout the program.  This generated thought-provoking discussions and the sharing of ideas and solutions that frankly had not occurred to me previously.”                                                        
-- Joe Drummey, NSLC 2005

“The seminar provides a unique perspective through history for decision-making.  Students engage in free-wheeling dialogue and gain many outlooks on resolving complex but significant critical decision-making.  Interaction among students and faculty is remarkable.”
-- Frank Ford, NSLC 1997, NSDMS 2002

“We heard from a wide variety of leaders who related their experiences and difficulties…in tough situations.  Acting as leaders during simulations and scenarios further developed our decision-making skills.  Overall, leadership and decision-making in tough national security situations are the biggest benefits of the course.”
-- Rear Admiral Jeffrey L. Fowler, NSMC 2002

“If the torch is going to be passed to a new generation, this is the type of course that should be required before extending a hand to receive that torch.”
-- Scott D. Gahring, NSMC 2005

“These two weeks were the most enjoyable professional experience I’ve had in the last decade and I can’t thank you enough for your kindness and efficiency.”
-- Robert C. Holcomb, NSDMS (I) 2004

“I found the course one of the most rewarding, intellectually stimulating, and professionally motivating programs I’ve ever had the opportunity to attend.  I was genuinely struck by the consistently superior quality of the speakers and faculty.  The class was composed of articulate, knowledgeable, and engaged students.”
-- Dale Lichtblau, NSLC 2002

“A truly great program…the faculty provided great insights into the foundations of executive leadership, and the candid guest speakers represented  the most informed of national leadership -from both the public and private sectors…While no one wants to go away from their job, this is the program no one can afford to miss.”
-- Brigadier General Arthur B. Morrill III, NSMC 2000

“[The case study] was helpful in broadening my understanding of contentious perspectives of U.S. civil-military relations…the teaching note provided a different way to approach the concepts in general terms.”
-- Alan Neff, PhD
Naval War College

“I cannot begin to explain in words the wonderful experience I had.  Each of the guest speakers was great…Another aspect of this course that added to the overall learning experience was the interaction between students during the practical exercises at Saratoga and in the classroom.  I know that I speak for a large number of the students when I say that these two aspects of the course were particularly enjoyable.”
-- James L. Pavik, NSCC 2003

“This was the best short course for senior officials I have ever attended.  The array of distinguished speakers provided us with an intellectual feast…  Your unfailing courtesy, good humor and gracious hospitality made me feel like part of the big ‘Orange’ family."
-- George A. B. Peirce, NSMC 2004, NSDMS (II) 2005

“Syracuse provided all of us with a ‘public service compass,’ charting a course that brought to life the values of this nation’s founding fathers and our responsibility in protecting these values for future generations.”
-- Aurea Rivera, NSMC 2002, NSLC 2006

“You have carried the NSS torch well…you have surpassed yourselves in providing one of the most informative, exciting, educational, and entertaining courses!  In discussions with my classmates (I as well as they) gained terrific insight and knowledge that we are all hoping to infuse into our workplaces—one chip of the boulder at a time.”
-- Steve Schmidt, NSMC 2000

“The curriculum brings the highest level of leadership to the classroom for a learning experience unmatched by any institution in the United States.  Whether it be national security, crisis management, ethics, or international and domestic politics, NSS is a premier advanced program that prepared senior leaders for the challenges of the twenty-first century.”
-- Captain Jonathan Sears, NSMC 2000

Facilities and Staff

“You have quite an impressive schedule for the National Security Leadership Course in Syracuse.  I’m glad I had the opportunity to attend.  You made those two weeks happen – keeping things running smoothly and making sure everything was taken care of.  I really appreciate all your effort.”
-- Major General Peter M. Cuviello, NSLC 2000

“Thank very much for a productive, enjoyable two weeks.  You surpassed all of my expectations – your leadership is obvious in every aspect of NSS.”
-- James Hunt, NSLC 2005 

“…if thoughts count, be assured you have a place in our hearts and minds.  Your dedication to our class was truly outstanding and greatly appreciated.”
-- Edward J. Korte, NSLC 2001

“Thanks for making these past two weeks an absolutely wonderful experience.  It’s easy to see that you put your heart and soul into this program…and it has paid off!  Your positive, can-do, fun-loving attitude is wonderful.  I’m honored to have met and gotten to know you."
-- Brigadier General Erwin Lessel III, NSLC 2005

“You and your team are unique – your great work and personal efforts are noticed.”
-- Brigadier General Craig Peterson, NSLC 2002

Practical Application

“The National Security Leadership Course has been most relevant and valuable in providing insight into the issues facing humanity for the remainder of this century.  It was uncanny to engage in a counter-terrorism exercise days before the tragic events of September 11, 2001.  The lessons provided in the National Security Studies course resonate with me daily…and add texture to the debate over homeland security.”
-- Daniel Borges, NSLC 2001

“…the quality of facilitators and lecturers of the NSS course was ideal.  I have been able to apply many elements of the course to my current duty.  I deal better with Homeland Security, state and local government officials and interdepartmental personnel as well.  During the course, we engaged in role-playing as elected officials.  This has paid dividends for me in my position…I have been able to effectively engage my State’s delegation and articulate both their position and mine successfully.”
-- Colonel Michael J. Carey, NSMC 2005

“We are currently beginning to use case studies in our curriculum; the case studies from the National Security Studies Program (including ‘Generals Versus the President’) have been an enormous resource to assist us in this effort…The National Security Program case studies are particularly useful to us at the Command and General Staff College because of their appropriate level of detail and the specific subjects that are addressed.  It is my hope that these resources (and additional new resources) will continue to be made available in the future.” 
-- Colonel Jack D. Kem
Supervisory Associate Professor
US Army Command and General Staff College

“I have put everything I learned in my NSS experience into practice.  From the case studies, which were actually vignettes or practicums, to the varied briefings, and the staff ride to Fort Ticonderoga, all have been useful…I used the Predator case study in discussions with the US Institute for Peace on rule of law.” 
-- Kevin Kirsch
Deputy Director
Office of Contingency Support and Migration
Planning at the Defense Department
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense

“I am using what I learned [in NSS] in the OSD/NII Office of Contingency Support and Migration Planning (CMSP) at the Defense Department…Our outreach program requires that I work every day with ’the Interagency,’ international agencies, and non-government organizations.  I use my experience from NSLC on a daily basis in this capacity.   At the education and training conferences that I participate in with these institutions, I sing NSS’s praises all the time.”
-- Kevin Kirsch, NSLC 2003

“There isn’t a day that goes by that a lesson, experience, or contact gained at NSS doesn’t help me in some meaningful way, especially in waging the global war on terrorism…The NSS program provides invaluable insight to the national security structure of the country, the political, organizational, resource, and operational dimensions…primarily through its tremendous guest speaker program, engaging seminars and world class faculty.  The interaction of several scores of hand picked students from the DoD, the national government, and defense industry completes the learning experience with peer exchanges and the development of networks that provide a follow-on support structure for use in post-NSS environment.”
-- Scott O’Connell, NSMC 2000

“The excellent case studies produced by the National Security Studies program have contributed to the curriculum at the Nation’s most prestigious institution for the education of strategic leaders and the employment of land power, the United States Army War College.  At least four of the case studies will be used at the US Army War College this year as key elements of lessons on ethics of the military profession and negotiations.  I find the case studies to be not only well written, but they are also carefully crafted to raise issues appropriate for dialogue by a group of senior military and civilian professionals.”
-- Colonel George E. Reed
Director of Command and Leadership Studies
US Army War College 

Speaker Testimonials

“…So many of the components that comprise national security infrastructure, the Board, the faculty and the subjects presented to the NSS participants must evolve to remain current and comprehensive.  Those two words, “current” and “comprehensive” best describe the NSS program at Syracuse University.  The participants’ evaluations reflect the accuracy of the description.”
-- Kevin Gottlieb
Maxwell School faculty member

“It’s always educational and fun for me.  I look forward to working with you in the future.”
-- United States Senator Chuck Hagel

“Your National Security Studies Program provides our leaders strategic insights to the challenges we face in the international security environment.  You have set the standard of excellence with your courses and curriculum that addresses the broad range of topics affecting national security matters.”
-- General John W. Handy
Commander
U.S. Transportation Command,
Air Mobility Command

“Thank you for the opportunity to speak at the National Security Management Course…I hope that it was as rewarding for the class, as it was for the speaker.  I appreciate the meticulous care you took in ensuring [I] was welcomed and comfortable.  I am most grateful.”
-- Lt. General James R. Helmly
Chief, Army Reserve
Commanding General, US Army Reserve Command

“…a remarkably realistic series of tests which closely approximate high-level governmental and military decision-making challenges.  I was struck many times by the keen similarity between choices faced by our team…and the real-life issues that I have lived through in the post 9-11 world.”
-- Nancy Larraine Hoffman
Former New York State Senator (1984-2004)

“Thank you again for the invitation to speak at the National Security Management Course.  I enjoyed it immensely.  You were a superb host and I appreciate everything you and your staff do in the National Security Studies field.” 
-- Lt. General Raymond T. Odierno
Assistant to the Chairman
Joint Chiefs of Staff

“Thank you for the wonderful experience of speaking with your NSMC 2003 students.  It is a terrific group of current and future leaders, having a truly meaningful and useful educational experience…, epitomizing “living a life of contribution and consequence.”
-- Susan Morrisey Livingstone
Former Undersecretary of the Navy

“This course is very important, and I am keenly interested in your efforts to engage the participants in research and strategic thinking across agency and service interests.”
-- General Peter Pace
(then) Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff