The International Institute for Strategic Studies has launched the Military Leaders’ Forum, a new series of meetings with leading military practitioners from the UK and around the world. The Forum is co-hosted by the Director of Studies and the Defence Analysis Programme.
The inaugural meeting took place on 6 February 2006, and featured Brigadier General Mark T. Kimmitt, U.S. Army. Brigadier General Kimmitt, Deputy Director for Strategic Plans and Policy (J-5) for the United States Central Command, spoke on the topic, “Iraq and Beyond: The Future of Military Operations in the Middle East.”
His remarks touched on the elements of a broader strategy for the disparate countries that fall within his area of responsibility, which covers Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran and 24 other countries, ranging from Egypt in the West to Pakistan in the East, from Kazakhstan in the North to Kenya and the Horn of Africa in the South. During 2003-2004, Brigadier General Kimmitt served as the Deputy Director of Operations and the chief military spokesman for the Multi-National Force in Iraq.
Brigadier General Kimmitt has held key operational positions overseas, including in Iraq and the Balkans, as well as planning positions within both Allied and Joint service commands. One of his tours of duty included three years as an Assistant Professor and Instructor within the Military Academy’s Department of Social Sciences.
Having been commissioned into the United States Army upon graduation from the United States Military Academy at West Point, he has also earned degrees from Harvard University, the National Defense University, and the United States Army Command and General Staff College.
The IISS Military Leaders’ Forum is made possible through the generous support of KBR.
