Deputy Secretary Kathleen Hicks Calls on Army War College Graduates to be ‘Change Agents’

Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks recently addressed graduates of the Army War College at Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania, where she emphasized the need for military leaders to become “change agents” in a rapidly evolving world.

Hicks acknowledged various complex threats the United States faces, including China, Russia’s war in Ukraine, North Korea, Iran and extremist organizations, and highlighted the accelerating pace of technological change and emerging threats such as pandemics and climate change, Defense .gov reported.

Hicks, a 2024 Wash100 awardee and a past Potomac Officers Club event speaker, stressed the importance of adapting to the challenges, citing the Army’s Multi-Domain Task Forces and the Marine Littoral Regiments as examples of innovative approaches.

She also stressed that effective deterrence requires a “whole-of-government” solution, involving strong diplomacy, development and intelligence capabilities.

Hicks concluded her remarks by urging graduates to embrace change, lead from anywhere and collaborate to solve new challenges. She also reminded them of their core values, commitment to civil-military relations and their oath to uphold the U.S. Constitution.

The Army War College prepares officers and national security civilians for senior roles. Distinguished alumni include Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and retired Marine Corps Gen. Joe Dunford, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.