By College of International Security Studies
George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies

GARMISCH-PARTENKIRCHEN, Germany (Nov. 23, 2021) – The Marshall Center conducted a third iteration of the German-American Regional Security Seminar with 30 German and Germany-based U.S. military officers and civilian staff at the O-4 to O-6 and equivalent levels 15-19 Nov. 

The course focused on challenges and opportunities in transatlantic relations, the impacts of China and Russia on Euroatlantic security, and regional challenges along Europe’s northern, eastern, southeastern, and southern flanks. 

Key aims throughout were to deepen mutual understandings of shared challenges and consideration of ways Germany and the United States can further strengthen cooperation in response.  

In addition to presentations from Marshall Center leadership and faculty, highlights included video welcomes from U.S. Army Gen. Christopher Cavoli, Commanding General, U.S. Army Europe and Africa, and German Lt. Gen. Martin Schelleis, Chief, Joint Enabling Service and German Territorial Commander, as well as a night owl session on transatlantic economic relations with Timothy Liston, U.S. Consul General in Munich.

The course’s director, Dr. Matthew Rhodes, said, “GARSS is a relatively new course, but it is a natural fit for the Marshall Center as a German-American partnership. One of its greatest benefits is forging personal ties among German and American officers facing similar problem sets. Both sides come away with additional insights and networks to boost their success in addressing them.”

The ability to run the seminar in-person in Garmisch greatly enhanced its value.