Week 2 of the Marshall Center’s European-Led Defense resident course, taking place April 13 to May 8, 2026, in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, shifts focus to the defense industrial base (DIB) — the first time a resident course includes a dedicated module on the topic, reflecting the program’s flexibility in aligning with U.S. and German priorities.

“The defense industrial base is not necessarily only a technical issue … it's a governance issue that the government institutions, especially the defense ministries, should address,” said Cüneyt Gürer, Ph.D., Marshall Center professor and module lead, “You will be exploring the challenges of the defense industrial base, have the opportunity basically to look at your country's situation and the possibilities how your country can support the European-led defense.”

The module is structured to examine global and European defense industrial landscapes, procurement and acquisition systems, and the policy and regulatory frameworks that move nations and alliances from commitment to capability. The week culminates in the second in-region workshop of the year, hosted in partnership with BWI GmbH in Munich on April 24, “From Ukraine’s Battlefield to European Defense Capabilities: Innovation, Adaptation, and Industrial Scalability.”

Day 1 opened with a virtual presentation by Mark Foulon, distinguished professor of industry and business at the Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy. His remarks challenged nearly 80 participants to define the DIB, frame Europe’s role, and consider the many factors within defense industrial ecosystems, reinforcing a recurring theme of defining the problem as the foundation for sound strategy.

The module also reflects the flexibility of the Marshall Center’s redesigned program. Fourteen participants joined virtually, including one individual transitioning from Week 1 in-residence participation. The Marshall Center additionally welcomed 33 members from Romania’s National Defense College, building on the multinational exchange and emphasizing shared perspectives and practical application.

“One of the best reasons we bring participants together is for the opportunity to engage directly and discuss different perspectives on these issues,” said Tim Dreifke, Ed.D., Marshall Center college dean. “When you combine that exchange with the right expertise — both in the room and online — you create an environment where participants can take what they learn here and apply it in ways that make a real impact.”

Through European-Led Defense, the Marshall Center continues contributing to shared understanding, aligned approaches, and Europe’s growing role in strengthening its own security.