McCaffrey speaks at The Citadel

March 23, 2011

National security and terrorism analyst discusses current national perspectives March 24

Gen. Barry McCaffrey, who completed his military career as the commander in chief of the U.S. Armed Forces Southern Command and who went on to serve as the cabinet officer in charge of U.S. Drug Policy, will give a Greater Issues address at 3 p.m., March 24, in McAlister Field House on The Citadel campus. The talk is free and open to the public.

“It is a tremendous honor for us to have Gen. McCaffrey come to The Citadel,” said Brig. Gen. Samuel Hines, provost and dean of the college. “Gen. McCaffrey is the embodiment of principled leadership, and I’m sure his words will resonate with our students.”

McCaffrey, who is president of his own consulting firm based in Arlington, Va., and who serves as a national security and terrorism analyst for NBC News, will give a national security update and discuss current perspectives.

During his 32‐year military career, McCaffrey served 13 years overseas and completed four combat tours. He commanded the 24th Infantry Division (Mechanized) during the Desert Storm 400‐kilometer left hook attack into Iraq. At retirement from active duty, he was the most highly decorated four‐star general in the U.S. Army. He twice received the Distinguished Service Cross, the nation’s second highest medal for valor. He was also awarded two Silver Stars and received three Purple Heart medals for wounds sustained in combat. McCaffrey served as the assistant to Gen. Colin Powell and supported the chairman as the Joint Chiefs of Staff advisor to the secretary of state and the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.

The Greater Issues Series was founded in 1954 to engage cadets’ interest and knowledge in important topics of the day. Since it was established, the series has brought presidents, heads of state, scholars, diplomats, journalists and distinguished business and military leaders to Charleston and The Citadel.

The Greater Issues Series is made possible by a grant from The Mills B. Lane Memorial Foundation.