Eisenhower School seeking business executives for 2014 class.

• Position: NDIA News

* Sponsored by the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Industry Fellows Program at the Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy was developed in support of the school's vision of "government and industry working closely together to ensure national security."

Congress approved the first civilian corporate executive to attend the school--formerly the Industrial College of the Armed Forces--in 1995.

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Since then, it has received worldwide recognition as a premier senior business education program, and Congress has increased the number of available seats for industry to 20 per academic year.

The program is currently seeking applicants for the 2014 academic year.

To date, more than 100 Industry Fellows from more than 30 domestic and international companies have graduated from the program. It has included personnel from traditional defense industrial base companies such as weapon manufacturers and federal systems integrators. Recent enrollments include employees of health care, transportation, energy and consumer product goods companies, reflecting the changing demographics of government contracting and public/private partnerships. The typical candidate is one who has already been identified to have senior leadership potential, has 15 to 20 years of experience, and has demonstrated excellent business acumen. No specific government experience or familiarity with the military is required.

While the Industry Fellows contribute significantly to the richness of the programs, they also have many opportunities to share their experiences and help to educate their peer groups about the private sector and their own companies. Many graduates have risen to senior executive positions, building strong government/industry networks that they maintain throughout their career.

While officially part of a military education system, the Eisenhower School is truly a joint, interagency "whole-of-government" environment, with more than 30 government and civilian organizations represented across the faculty and student body.

Industry Fellows are prepared for future engagement throughout all areas of the government, giving them first-hand exposure to some of the challenges and tough decisions facing government and business leaders today.

Industry representation in the classroom offers the government students a greater divergence of thought and a wider spectrum of valuable insight and dialogue, promoting a stronger...