It was during a fireside chat that Franklin Delano Roosevelt urged the American people that “we must have more ships, more guns, more plans—more of everything. We must be the great arsenal of democracy.” These words sparked debate over America’s role in the world. A debate that still rages in the United States today, and is intensified by rapid increases in the technology of war. 

About the Chat:

Over the last 80 years America’s conflict has changed, but one thing has stayed the same: Americans are fighting overseas and leaders have to make decisions that put service member’s lives at risk. A major factor of war that has changed is the autonomy of the tools available to commanders. The use of drones have increased the options available to US decision makers while increasing the moral ambiguity that accompanies any decision. The Law of War principles of military necessity, unnecessary suffering, proportionality, distinction, and honor are all affected by the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, and leaders are forced to decide between sending Service Members or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles when executing many combat missions. 

During this chat Lieutenant Colonel Shelton will discuss the role of drones in joint military operations as well as his personal challenges and struggles as a leader in the United States Air Force. 

About the Speaker:

Previously, Lieutenant Colonel Shelton was the Chief of Command and Control Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance for the first Joint Special Operations Air Component at Fort Bragg in North Carolina. He has served in a variety of leadership positions including qualifications as an E-3 air battle manager instructor/evaluator, Chief Weapons and Tactics, Chief Standardization and Evaluations, Assistant Director of Operations, Director of Operations, and Director Joint Special Operations Air Detachment. Adam has flown in and deployed to numerous contingency operations some of which include Operations Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, Unified Protector, New Dawn, and Inherent Resolve. Adam holds a bachelor’s degree in computer management and information systems from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville and two master’s degrees: military operational art from Air Command and Staff College and strategic studies from the College of Naval Command and Staff at the Naval War College. His research interests include multi-domain joint military operations, combatant command authorities/decision making, interagency and DOD integration, and DOD organizational design and adaptations.

Tuesday, 11/05 7 PM FDR Suite SIGN UP required 

Reservations available starting 1 a.m. on Monday 10/28