2007 Press Releases
National War College visits Yeltsin Center
April 11, 2007
On April 11-13, the U.S. Consulate General hosted a group of eleven American military officers and civilians from the National War College, a senior school of the U.S. National Defense University in Washington, D.C. The National Defense University prepares military and civilian leaders from the United States and other countries to address national and international security challenges through a variety of educational programs, including research, professional exchanges, and outreach.
The students usually rank at the level of colonel and traveled to Russia to gain a better understanding of U.S.-Russian relations and Russia’s role in the world. The group chose to visit Yekaterinburg to better understand its important historical role for Russia and the Soviet Union, and its continuing importance today for modern Russia.
Yekaterinburg extended the group warm hospitality and significant learning opportunities. Professor Anatoliy Dmitriyevich Kirillov of the Yeltsin Center gave the group a personal tour of the Center’s Museum, describing the life of former President Boris Yeltsin and his crucial role in Russia’s transition to a democratic, capitalist society. The group also held discussions with professors from Urals State University, and were given a presentation comparing Russian and American military experiences by the Center for Military Studies and Afghan Veterans’ Union.
The American officers greatly enjoyed a tour of a part of the well-known Uralmash heavy machinery complex, and learned of the cultural importance of the region by touring sites such as the Cathedral-on-the-Blood. The group also visited Moscow and St. Petersburg during its visit to Russia.
