On August 24-25, 2010, the National Defense University held a conference titled Economic Security: Neglected Dimension of National Security? The conference explored the economic element of national power. Often ignored and misunderstood in relation to national security, the economy has been taken for granted for years, but its strength is the foundation of national security. Over 2 days, several keynote speakers and participants in six panel discussions explored the complexitysurrounding this subject and examined the major elements that, interacting as a system, define the economic component of national security.

"Understanding War in Afghanistan" aims to provide military leaders, civil servants, diplomats, and students with the intellectual basis that they need to begin to prepare for further study of or an assignment in Afghanistan. This book analyzes the land and its people, recaps Afghan history, and assesses the current situation. It also examines the range of choices for future U.S. policy toward Afghanistan.General David Petraeus praises Understanding War in Afghanistan as "an outstanding primer for soldiers and diplomats deploying for their first tour in the shadow of the Hindu Kush; those with extensive time on the ground will find the annotated bibliography full of excellent suggestions for further study."

This manuscript describes how US military advisors prepare for and conduct operations in war. Through two separate year-long combat tours as a military advisor in Iraq, the author brings true vignettes into modern military strategy and operational art. Further, the author provides multiple perspectives in command relationships. Through years of personal experience, direct interviews, and Warfighting knowledge, the author challenges conventionally accepted truths and establishes a new standard for understanding the impact of American advisors on the modern battleground. Disclaimer: The views expressed herein are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official views of the Department of Defense (DoD), its Components, or the Joint Center for International Security Force Assistance (JCISFA).