Attendee Administrative Information

1. General Information:

In accordance with Secretary of the Army Directive on Conferences 2011-20 dated 14 Oct 2011, we have made a number of changes to conference administration this year. We have done our best to keep things as simple as possible while staying within the letter and intent of the new rules. Please contact us at (717) 245-4073 with any questions or difficulties.

  1. Conference attendees will still register for the conference on this website, however there will be no conference fee collected by the U.S. Government.
  2. USAWC Strategy Conference events in Bliss Hall (key note address, panel discussions) are free and open to the public.
  3. Conference social events that include food and drink require reservations with Carlisle Barracks Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR). Attendees who wish to attend the social events should contact Carlisle Barracks MWR to make reservations and pay for any social events they choose to attend. You can complete the process online at the MWR website or call Melanie Ramos at 717-245-3537 to make a reservation over the phone.
  4. The social events include:
    1. Reception with Commandant's welcome at Letort View Community Center on 10 April at 18:00 (6 pm)
    2. Coffee and other refreshments on the Bliss Hall Patio during breaks on 11 and 12 April
    3. Lunches at the LVCC on 11 and 12 April
    4. The Banquet with speaker at LVCC on 11 April.
  5. Exact prices for each event will be on the MWR website. Total daily charges for all meals and coffee breaks will be less than or equal to USG per diem for meals in the Carlisle area.
  6. Please note that the fees for food and beverages charged by MWR/LVCC are not reimbursable for government employees who are not on travel orders.

2. Check-in: During check-in, you will receive a conference program containing the final conference agenda, biographical sketches of panelists/speakers, shuttle bus schedule and information about the U.S. Army War College (USAWC) and Carlisle Barracks. Also included in the packet is your name tag. Please wear the name tag at all functions. It will admit you to the conference sites and grant you access to the cafeteria on the first floor of Root Hall.

3. Housing: Carlisle Barracks is conveniently located within a short distance from numerous hotels and motels. To facilitate travel between the hotels below and the conference, we supply a shuttle service while the conference is in session, April 10-12. We have rooms blocked at the following locations for you to call and reserve.

Comfort Suites Carlisle: (717) 960-1000
Hampton Inn: (717) 240-0200

Reservations for blocked rooms need to be made no later than March 1; after that date, the hotels will release these rooms to the general public. There is no on-post billeting available.

4. Transportation:

A. Transportation to and from Conference: Transportation to and from the hotels reserved for the conference will be provided prior to and following all scheduled conference events. Because of limited parking at Carlisle Barracks, it is highly recommended that all attendees use this service. A bus schedule from the hotels is provided in the administrative packet upon your arrival. View directions to the Army War College and hotels.

B. Transportation is not provided until the reception on Tuesday evening. This means that you are responsible for transportation during the day for check-in.

5. Security: You must present photo identification when entering Carlisle Barracks. If driving, be prepared to show driver's license, vehicle registration and proof of insurance. Due to heightened security, your vehicle may be inspected. Drivers without a Common Access Card (CAC) must enter post through the Claremont Road Gate.

6. Appropriate Conference Attire:

During all conference sessions the dress is Class B military service uniform or civilian coat and tie and comparable attire for ladies. For the reception, casual dress (sports shirt, open collar) and comparable dress for ladies is the preferred attire. Dress for the banquet is civilian coat and tie for gentlemen and comparable attire for ladies.

7. Administrative Support.

The Strategic Studies Institute staff will provide administrative support throughout the conference. During all panel sessions, the staff will be located in the foyer of Bliss Hall to assist participants with their requirements. At all other times during normal business hours, the staff will be located in Building 632 or may be contacted by calling 717-245-3133.

8. Outgoing Faxes.

Outgoing faxes can be sent by the SSI Staff.

9. Laptop Computers.

Use of laptop computers is authorized in Bliss Hall during the conference. We have reserved an area in the rear of the auditorium for those people who need to take notes on their laptop computers during the conference.

10. Strategic Studies Institute Points of Contact.

Academic Engagement Office
(717) 245-3133, or send an email

For a complete listing of Strategic Studies Institute personnel, consult the Directory of Specialists .

11. Late-Breaking Changes.

Be sure to periodically check the conference website for updates. http://www.strategicstudiesinstitute.army.mil/conf.

12. Foreign Nationals and Representatives of a Foreign Interest.

Foreign nationals who are employed by a foreign government must have applied to the Department of the Army Foreign Visits Office through the Defense Attaché's Office at the local U.S. Embassy pursuant to attending the conference. The visit request must have been submitted at least 30 days prior to the date of this conference. Foreign nationals who are not employed by a foreign government can pursue normal procedures to access the United States. All Foreign Nationals, regardless of foreign government employment, must contact us announcing their intention to attend the event. They must also present their passports to gain entrance to the Carlisle Barracks.

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Where is it?
NE U.S. map star on Southern PA
About the Conference
Each year, approximately two hundred participants engage in collegial debate concerning some of the most pressing and perplexing national security issues of the day. Panels are comprised of three to five distinguished experts who frame the discussion and facilitate a spirited Q&A session. The event is open to the public and all are invited to attend.
Conference Fees
The conference is free to attend. Catered social events require paid reservation, but they are optional.
Past Conferences
Defining War Conference on Youtube
Strategic Implications of Emerging Technologies 2009 Conference
Rebalancing the Instruments of National Power 2008 Conference
18th Annual Strategy Conference