Inter American Defense College

Students, faculty, and staff of Inter-American Defense College Class 65 continued Part I of their International Field Study in Argentina with academic and professional engagements in San Carlos de Bariloche focused on defense innovation, advanced technology, and national strategic capabilities. The delegation traveled from Buenos Aires to Bariloche to participate in a series of visits and briefings with Argentine institutions supporting national security, scientific research, and technological development.

The program included engagements at INVAP, where participants received presentations from senior leaders on Argentina’s work in space systems, defense technologies, security programs, environmental projects, and nuclear technology development. Students and faculty also received a briefing from the Argentine National Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA) and the Mountain Warfare School, expanding discussions on strategic research, operational readiness, and interagency cooperation in support of national defense objectives.

May 3rd included activities in Bariloche where students, faculty, and staff explored local landmarks, regional traditions, and the natural beauty of Patagonia. The cultural program provided participants an opportunity to strengthen interpersonal relationships and gain a deeper appreciation for the history, culture, and heritage of southern Argentina.

Organization of American States (OAS)
Organización de los Estados Americanos (OEA)
Junta Interamericana de Defensa
INVAP
CNEA Argentina

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During Field Study 2026, the Inter-American Defense College held the IADC Alumni Meeting, Argentina Chapter, on April 30, 2026, in support of Class 65’s academic program in Argentina and Panama. The event was led by Rear Admiral Paulo Roberto Blanco Osorio, Vice Director of the IADC, representing Major General Joseph M. Lestorti, alongside Brigadier General Rogelio Jorge Amador Mendoza, Chief of Studies.

The gathering welcomed faculty, alumni, and distinguished guests, including Admiral (Ret.) Julio Juan Bardi, Class 5, the most senior IADC Alumni in the hemisphere. During the ceremony, Admiral (Ret.) Pedro Eugenio Galardi, Class 50, and Brigadier General Carlos Adrián Pesante, Class 56, were inducted into the IADC Hall of Honor. Admiral (Ret.) Roberto Pereyra Bordón was also presented the Honoris Causa Award in recognition of his academic and professional contributions to the hemisphere.

The event reinforced the bonds of friendship, cooperation, and institutional pride that unite the IADC alumni community across the hemisphere.

Organization of American States (OAS)
Organización de los Estados Americanos (OEA)
Junta Interamericana de Defensa

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Students and faculty of Inter-American Defense College Class 65 began Part 1 of their International Field Study in Argentina, conducting a series of professional visits throughout Buenos Aires focused on national defense, security, and strategic governance. The delegation visited the Argentine Ministry of Defense for senior-level briefings on defense strategy, cyber defense, and industrial policy tied to national production and modernization efforts.

At Edificio Libertad, headquarters of the Argentine Navy, students engaged with senior officials from the Argentine Ministry of Foreign Affairs and senior Argentine Navy leaders on key strategic topics, including the South Atlantic, Antarctica, peacekeeping operations, international security, non-proliferation, and maritime coordination. Participants also received briefings on regional and international policy matters. The program further included presentations from Argentina’s National Space Agency, CONAE, highlighting national space and technology initiatives that support security and development.

Additional engagements at the Ministry of Security examined political and strategic dimensions of internal security, emergency management, migration issues, cybercrime, and critical infrastructure protection. The delegation later visited the Port of Buenos Aires and the Single Customs Monitoring Center, where officials discussed port operations, trade security, customs oversight, and transportation infrastructure critical to the nation’s economy.

The academic program also included strategic discussions hosted in Buenos Aires with regional experts and government leaders. Students received presentations from Juan Marteau of CARI on combating money laundering and terrorist financing, Juan Battaleme of CARI on Latin America’s security environment and hemispheric cooperation, and Ariel Gonzalez Levaggi of UCA on strategic competition among great powers and Latin America’s geopolitical role. Participants also met with Buenos Aires Minister of Security Horacio Gimenez.

The International Field Study provides students firsthand exposure to how partner nations integrate military, governmental, and civil institutions to address shared hemispheric challenges while strengthening cooperation across the Americas.

Organization of American States (OAS)
Organización de los Estados Americanos (OEA)
Junta Interamericana de Defensa
Ministerio de Defensa
Ministerio de Seguridad
Armada Argentina - Gaceta Marinera

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The Inter-American Defense College welcomed Argentine Ambassador to the OAS Carlos Bernardo Cherniak and Argentine Delegate to the Inter-American Defense Board Gen. Alejandro Liberatori to Fort McNair, April 24, 2026.

During the visit, Ambassador Cherniak engaged with Class 65 on Argentina’s strategic priorities, foreign policy and regional security challenges. The engagement supported the College’s academic mission by strengthening diplomatic dialogue, expanding hemispheric cooperation and preparing students for their upcoming study visit.

The visit concluded with a luncheon and gift presentation, reinforcing professional relationships between the IADC, Argentina and the Inter-American system.

Organization of American States (OAS)
Organización de los Estados Americanos (OEA)
Junta Interamericana de Defensa
Embassy of Argentina in the United States

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The Inter-American Defense College welcomed U.S. Army Gen. Joseph Ryan, Commanding General of U.S. Army Western Hemisphere Command, for an official visit on April 24, 2026, at Fort Lesley J. McNair.

During the visit, Gen. Ryan met with IADC leadership and engaged with Class 65, delivering a lecture that provided insight into the mission and priorities of U.S. Army Western Hemisphere Command. The engagement supported the College’s academic program by strengthening professional relationships and enhancing students’ understanding of regional defense and security cooperation.

The visit included an office call, a master brief, and academic discussions, reinforcing the College’s commitment to developing national leaders prepared to address contemporary hemispheric challenges.

Organization of American States (OAS)
Organización de los Estados Americanos (OEA)
Junta Interamericana de Defensa
U.S. Army Western Hemisphere Command (USAWHC)

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Preserving Hemispheric History at IADC

We are proud to announce the inauguration of the exhibition "Graphic Memory of the Panama Canal" at the Inter-American Defense College.

This exclusive documentary collection is the result of a strategic partnership between the IADC Learning Resource Center & Library and the OAS Columbus Memorial Library. Through exhaustive archival research and field curation, the library team has brought to our campus unprecedented photographic records of the 1977 Treaties.

This initiative provides Class 65 with a unique visual narrative of international law and diplomacy, serving as a vital academic foundation ahead of their upcoming field study trip.
We invite our community to explore this rescue of our shared inter-American history.



Organization of American States (OAS)
Organización de los Estados Americanos (OEA)
Junta Interamericana de Defensa
Embajada de Panamá en los Estados Unidos

The Inter-American Defense College welcomed Panamanian Ambassador to the Organization of American States, Ana Irene Delgado, for an official visit on April 23, 2026, at Fort Lesley J. McNair.

During the visit, Ambassador Delgado engaged with IADC leadership and Class 65, delivering a lecture focused on Panama’s strategic priorities and foreign policy. The discussion supported the College’s academic program by strengthening understanding of regional security challenges and reinforcing the importance of cooperation and democratic values across the Western Hemisphere.

The visit also included an official photo, academic engagement, and a gift presentation, highlighting the College’s continued commitment to building strong institutional partnerships and fostering professional relationships with senior diplomatic leaders. Major Amarylis Rodriguez, Delegate to the Inter-American Defense Board, also participated in the visit.

Organization of American States (OAS)
Organización de los Estados Americanos (OEA)
Junta Interamericana de Defensa
Embajada de Panamá en los Estados Unidos

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On 19 April 2026, the Inter-American Defense College (IADC) proudly welcomed Major General Joseph M. Lestorti as its new Director.
MG Lestorti’s arrival marks an important moment for the College as we continue to advance our mission of preparing senior military, police, and civilian leaders to address complex defense and security challenges across the Western Hemisphere. His leadership will further strengthen our commitment to academic excellence, strategic dialogue, and inter-American partnership.
We look forward to his vision and guidance as we continue to build enduring partnerships and develop the next generation of national leaders.

The Inter-American Defense College recognizes the recipients of the 1st Quarterly Awards Ceremony of 2026 for their professionalism and contributions to the College’s mission.

Exceptional Professional – Captain Alejandro Ochoa Demuner
Exceptional Professional – SFC George Davis
Exceptional Performer – MCPO Durcilene Marques Da Silva
Exceptional Performer – SSG Christina Barrera

The College also presented the 2025 Annual Award for Exceptional Employee to Mr. Marcelino Imbers

These awards reflect the dedication and teamwork that support the College’s mission within the Organization of American States and the Inter-American Defense Board.

Congratulations to all awardees for their service and impact across the Inter-American system.

Organization of American States (OAS)
Organización de los Estados Americanos (OEA)
Junta Interamericana de Defensa

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Students and faculty from the Inter-American Defense College participated in a security forum hosted by the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies in Washington, D.C., April 9, 2026.

The event brought together IADC Class 65, leadership, and academic partners to examine critical security challenges in Latin America, with a focus on the ongoing crisis in Haiti. Through expert-led panels and discussions, participants analyzed regional dynamics, governance challenges, and strategic responses impacting the hemisphere.

The forum featured multiple panels on topics including post-Maduro Venezuela, U.S. hemispheric policy, elections and public order, and security challenges in Mexico, as well as a keynote address by Ambassador Tom Shannon. The engagement reinforced IADC’s commitment to academic excellence, institutional partnerships, and developing strategic leaders prepared to address complex defense and security issues across the Americas.

Organization of American States (OAS)
Organización de los Estados Americanos (OEA)
Junta Interamericana de Defensa
Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies

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