Research, ideas, and leadership for a more secure, peaceful world

Past Event
Seminar

Managing the M in DIME: The Military as an Instrument of National Power

Harvard Faculty, Fellows, Staff, and Students

Please join the Belfer Center’s Defense, Emerging Technology, and Strategy (DETS) Program for “Managing the M in DIME: The Military as an Instrument of National Power” on Tuesday, November 19th at 3:00 PM in Rubenstein 414AB. This event is open to Harvard ID holders.

Date: Time: - Location: Rubenstein Building - David T. Ellwood Democracy Lab, Room 414AB

Speaker
Frank Sanchez

Frank Sanchez
Gen. Joseph Martin, 37th Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, leads a reenlistment ceremony of 3rd Infantry Division Soldiers as they raise their right hands and volunteer to continue their Army service on Hunter Army Airfield
Gen. Joseph Martin, 37th Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, leads a reenlistment ceremony of 3rd Infantry Division Soldiers as they raise their right hands and volunteer to continue their Army service on Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia, March 10. (U.S. Army/Sgt. Andrew McNeil)

Event Description

As an instrument of national power, the military plays a critical role in safeguarding national security and influencing diplomacy. The United States’ civilian control of the military is a fundamental principle, ensuring that elected officials oversee military decisions that align with democratic values. Participants will learn how the military chain of command, directed from the President as Commander-in-Chief to the lowest ranking officers, maintains clear lines of authority and accountability across all ranks, as well as how this hierarchy ensures operational discipline and effective mission execution.

Military leadership, at all levels, emphasizes a balance of strategy, resource management, and morale of their forces, often in rapidly changing environments. Captain Sanchez will reflect on how civilian oversight and a structured chain of command ensure the military is employed as an effective instrument in protecting our national security.

This session will be led by Captain Frank Sanchez as part of the For the Common Defense seminar series. Refreshments will be served. This event is open to Harvard ID holders.