The Leadership in Homeland Security Seminar (LHS)
LHS addresses executive education needs by mirroring GFOS but from the perspective of operational leaders. This course will assist leaders to better understand the importance of their roles and responsibilities within the strategic framework; maintain flexibility within the continuity of command; and understand the value of empowering subordinate organizations with decision-making abilities. Students’ critical thinking will be challenged through a complex analysis of case studies and a practical exercise.
The HKS Program on Crisis Leadership seeks to improve society’s capacity to deal with natural disasters, infrastructure, technology, and systems failures, emergent infections diseases, and terrorism. Professors Dutch Leonard and Arn Howitt have researched, studied, and analyzed leaders and organizations facing crises for over a decade. Their book Managing Crises: Responses to Large Scale Emergencies (2009) provides a clear understanding of the different types of disasters governments confront and of the key challenges governments face in preparing for and responding to these events.
WHERE: Harvard Kennedy School
WHO: National Guard Officers ranking O5 and above and for civilians in order to attend would need to meet the O5 equivalent on the GS Scale.
WHY: Throughout LHS, central questions will focus on the operational level of leadership: What do leaders need to do before a crisis, how do they need to operate during a crisis, and how do they make the greatest possible contribution with the available resources? Reviewing and addressing these prior to real world emergencies equips graduates to promptly respond when most needed.
HOW: Inaction or uncertainty in times of crisis can lead to costly mistakes. Using case studies on major events, LHS provides participants with knowledge to effectively ground themselves in their roles amidst a crisis to accurately perceive what is occurring and what to do about it, while also creating connections with key stakeholders.
To attend: For National Guard personnel, we will reach out to you as each state's senior leadership is alloted one seat for a primary and alternate nominee.
For non-national guard counterparts, please email us your full resume at ng.ma.maarng.mbx.homeland-security-institute@army.mil for consideration.
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MAY 13-17, 2025