Colonel graduates from US Defence University
Colonel Esther Harrop has graduated from the Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy at the prestigious United States National Defence University in Washington DC.
01 October, 2024
COL Harrop was the only New Zealander in 160 International Fellows, joining a cohort of 600 military, defence civilians, US government agencies and industry colleagues.
She leaves the programme with a Master of Science in National Resource Strategy, with an American Studies concentration.
“I’ve learned so much - the Eisenhower programme has US Security Strategy, Leadership and the Defence-Industry interface at its core - but it also focusses on American history; and political, cultural and social aspects of the American system which has been absolutely fascinating,” says COL Harrop.
Colonel Harrop was presented the Ambassador’s Award by the Ambassador of the Eisenhower School, John Desrocher and the Commandant Eisenhower School, MajGen William Seely, III.
Highlights for her were the keynote address of former US Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger prior to his death, the visit to NDU of Ukrainian President Volodymyrr Zelenskyy, and participating in a panel with US Chief of Naval Operations, Secretary of the Army and Undersecretary of the Air Force.
COL Harrop was awarded the Ambassador’s Award - an award given to the International Fellow selected by faculty, colleagues and leadership as showing excellence in scholarship and partnership building.
“I feel so honoured to represent New Zealand and the NZDF at NDU, in this the 100th year of the Eisenhower School. I’ve made so many connections amongst faculty, leadership and colleagues across the US military, government and industry, and amongst the International fellows. It’s been an incredible year.”