Lt. Col. Brendan M. O'Neal, a 2000 graduate of Manning High School, recently completed one of the nation's premier military education programs, earning a Master of Science in National Security Strategy from the National War College in Washington, D.C.
O'Neal graduated June 11 after completing the National War College's 10-month resident program. The college, part of the National Defense University, prepares senior military officers and civilian leaders for strategic leadership roles in national security.
The curriculum included studies in national security strategy, joint warfighting, statecraft, military history, strategic leadership, and the application of diplomatic, informational, military and economic instruments of national power. The program emphasizes critical thinking, interagency collaboration and developing strategies to address complex global security challenges.
Following graduation, O'Neal will relocate with his family to Stuttgart, Germany, where he will serve as a strategic planner in the J8 Directorate at U.S. European Command.
In his new assignment, he will help shape long-term strategy, force development and resource planning in support of U.S. and allied security interests throughout the European theater.
A career Air Force officer, O'Neal joins a distinguished network of National War College alumni serving in senior military, government and international leadership positions.
O'Neal credited his family, friends, colleagues and mentors for their support throughout his career and in reaching the milestone.
