BSAP

This summer, Cody spent three months at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania attending the Basic Strategic Art Program. The course is one of the most intellectually challenging courses in the Army and proved to be a real test for Cody. While he spent plenty of time studying and writing papers, he also had the chance to tour Gettysburg and visit the National Security Council at the Old Executive Office Building next to The White House in Washington D.C. Here he posed with his class and instructors outside the back gate of America's most famous residence.

 

While residing on post at Carlisle Barracks, a wicked hail storm rolled in dropping golf ball sized hail! When these hail stones hit the old rickety building, it sounded like they might actually penetrate it. The hail cracked Cody's windshield and left a number of dents in his car. Oh, the memories.

 

The course ended with a Civil War tour of General Ulysses S. Grant's Overland Campaign through Virginia that resulted in Lee's eventual surrender at Appomattox Court House seen there behind Cody. It was certainly one of the highlights of the course! It was by far the best Army course Cody had ever attended and he was proud to finish as an honor graduate!

 

In the world of strategic thought, no one besides Clausewitz is more revered at the U.S. Army War College than Colin Gray. Unlike Clausewitz, however, Colin Gray is still alive. Thanks to Cody's sister-in-law, Jeannie Johnson, who studied with Colin Gray at Reading University in England, Cody's class was able to secure a signed portrait from Colin Gray himself that they were able to present as a gift to their instructors at graduation. Thanks again Jeannie!