On May 4th, RFI “hosted” students from the United States Army War College School of Strategic Landpower for a virtual briefing on key elements of religion and National Security Strategy. 

The briefing was part of the Army War college’s annual Washington, DC National Security Staff Ride which was moved online due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The National Security Staff Ride gives students at the War College perspective into government and non-government organizations that impact national security policy and national military strategy. The visit is part of the Masters of Strategic Studies at the Army War College, which draws senior US and foreign military officers from all services as well as senior civilian national security professionals.

Eric Patterson, who serves as RFI’s Executive Vice President and has over twenty years experience as an officer and commander in the Air National Guard, provided an overview of four points of connection between religion and national security strategy. His talk highlighted key points from the integration of religious freedom in the 2017 National Security Strategy. 

Jeremy Barker, Director of the Middle East Action Team, provided an overview of RFI’s mission, objectives, and activities for the Army War College participants and facilitated question and answers with RFI staff on issues related to religion and international affairs. 

The Religious Freedom Institute regularly provides evidence-based practical and theoretical education and training programs to audiences ranging from secondary schools and universities, to NGOs, diplomats, and government officials.