NDU International Fellows Alumni

09/04/2026

🌎 International Fellows Hall of Fame | ACES 2026

The National Defense University just reached a major milestone — welcoming its 100th, 101st, and 102nd distinguished alumni into the International Fellows Hall of Fame.

Vice Admiral Pete Garvin, President of the National Defense University, inducted:

✨ Brigadier General Asariel Loria | Chief of Defence Staff, Ministry of National Defence and Border Security | Belize | College of International Security Affairs, Class of 2009

✨ Vice Admiral Juan Bienvenido Crisóstomo Martínez | Commander General of the Navy | Dominican Republic | Joint Forces Staff College, Class of 2006

✨ Brigadier General Simon Ndour | Chief of Staff of the Army | Senegal | National War College, Class of 2022

These three leaders mark a major milestone for the International Fellows Hall of Fame as its 100th, 101st, and 102nd inductees. Their induction adds to a distinguished cohort of alumni who have risen to senior leadership positions in their countries’ governments and armed forces and made enduring contributions to international peace and security — a testament to the strength and lasting impact of NDU’s international partnerships.

Today, more than 5,000 international alumni form a powerful global network that strengthens relationships, enables effective joint and combined operations, and creates significant channels of access and influence with senior foreign leaders — particularly in times of crisis.

100 got us here. 101 and 102 keep the legacy growing. And the next generation is already stepping up.

Congratulations to our newest Hall of Fame inductees, and to the alumni, faculty, staff, and partners who have helped build this extraordinary international network!

Here’s to the next 100!

08/31/2026

ACES 2026 is underway – the week has officially kicked off in Seoul, South Korea!

We’re excited to welcome our distinguished alumni from the 6 geographic combatant commands and come together for a week of learning, discussion, and engagement with fellow leaders from across the globe. Stay tuned for more from ACES 2026!

07/01/2026

🇺🇸🤝 ACES 2026 | Celebrating Partnerships That Endure

Partners and Allies have been critical to the United States’ national security for the entirety of our 250-year history. From foreign support during the American Revolutionary War to modern international education and training like that done at NDU, security cooperation strengthens the U.S. and global security.

As the United States commemorates its 250th anniversary, ACES 2026 offers a unique opportunity to reflect on the partnerships, alliances, and professional relationships that have contributed to global security for generations.

For decades, International Fellows from around the world have studied together, served together, and strengthened the bonds between allied and partner nations. These relationships have helped advance shared security interests and remain essential in addressing today's complex challenges.

This year's theme, Enduring Partnerships | Shared Strength, recognizes the value of those connections and the role they continue to play in building a safer and more secure future.

Join fellow NDU alumni in Seoul, Republic of Korea, from 31 August–4 September 2026 as we celebrate both America's 250th anniversary and the partnerships that have strengthened our nations for decades.

🔗 Application: https://ndu.gov1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eRoWaHkAzh7Hbb8

💲 Program fee: $500

❓ Questions? [email protected] | +1 202 330 3643

06/18/2026

🎉 ACES 2026 | Celebrating 50 Years of NDU

As the National Defense University marks its 50th anniversary, we invite alumni from across the NDU family to join us in Seoul, Republic of Korea, from 31 August–4 September 2026 for the Alumni Continuing Education Seminar (ACES).

This year's theme, Enduring Partnerships | Shared Strength, reflects the relationships that have defined NDU since its founding in 1976. ACES 2026 will bring together alumni from all NDU colleges to reconnect, learn, and engage with today's most pressing security challenges.

Plenary sessions will explore:

✔ Strengthening Ourselves, Strengthening Each Other

✔ The Future of Irregular Warfare

✔ Resourcing Security

✔ A Revolution in Military Affairs

For 50 years, NDU has prepared leaders to address complex global challenges. Join fellow alumni in Seoul as we celebrate that legacy and continue building the partnerships that will shape the future.

🔗 Application: https://ndu.gov1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eRoWaHkAzh7Hbb8

💲 Program fee: $500

❓ Questions? [email protected] | +1 202 330 3643

05/22/2026

The International Student Management Office (ISMO) is now International Study, Missions, & Outreach (ISMO).

This rebranding reflects the full scope and impact of our work across National Defense University and better highlights the academic excellence, operational engagement, and global partnerships that define our mission.

International Study underscores our enduring commitment to International Fellows, their academic contributions, professional experiences, and central role in NDU’s learning environment.

Missions captures the breadth of our activities, including the Field Study Program (FSP), Distinguished Visitor Orientation Tours (DVOT), and engagements that directly advance security cooperation.

Outreach emphasizes our expanding partnerships with international institutions and alumni, strengthening global engagement and long-term collaboration.

While our name is evolving, our dedication to supporting International Fellows and our partners remains unchanged.

We look forward to continuing our work together under this renewed vision.

05/19/2026

🎉 Applications for ACES 2026 are now OPEN to all International and American NDU alumni! We are excited to announce that we will be hosting ACES 2026 in Seoul, Republic of Korea from 31 August-4 September 2026. The theme for this year's seminar is Enduring Partnerships | Shared Strength. ACES 2026 is your chance to reconnect with classmates, learn from expert faculty and subject matter experts, and strengthen the bonds that tie our community together. We look forward to welcoming you back!

🔗Application: https://ndu.gov1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eRoWaHkAzh7Hbb8
💲 Program fee: $500
❓ Questions? Send them here: [email protected] or contact +1 202 330 3643.

05/08/2026

This week, the National Defense University community came together for the International Fellows Luncheon, a meaningful tradition that highlights the global strength of our institution. With participation from representatives of more than 60 countries, the event reflected the depth and breadth of our partnerships.
Our International Fellows and their families shared dishes from their home countries, offering more than a meal. They brought perspectives shaped by different cultures, experiences, and security environments. Perspectives that enrich classroom discussions and strengthen our collective understanding.
At NDU, we don’t just study global challenges; we do so alongside the partners and allies we rely on to address them. The relationships built here foster trust, deepen collaboration, and prepare us to work more effectively together in support of shared security interests.

04/18/2026