The Potomac Institute for Policy Studies is pleased to announce that Lt. Gen. Donald C. Wurster, USAF (Ret.) has been named a Senior Fellow and Member of the Board of Regents. Lt. Gen. Wurster retired in August, 2011 from his post as Commander, Air Force Special Operations Command, Hurlburt Field, Florida.
Institute Chairman and CEO Michael Swetnam welcomed Lt. Gen. Wurster's appointment, commenting, "Lt. Gen. Wurster is one of the finest senior officers to serve this country during the past decade of conflict. His vast knowledge and experience will be a tremendous asset for the Institute. The Board of Director and I take great pleasure in announcing his election to our Board of Regents." Lt. Gen. Wurster added, "It will be a privilege to participate and contribute in the important areas of science, technology, and national defense while working with an organization with the prestige and integrity of the Potomac Institute."
As AFSOC Commander, Lt. Gen. Wurster had oversight of the Air Force component of US Special Operations Command, providing Air Force Special Operations Forces for worldwide deployment and assignment to unified combatant commanders. The command has approximately 16,000 active-duty, Reserve, Air National Guard and civilian professionals.
Lt. Gen. Wurster was born in Washington, DC, and was commissioned in 1973 upon graduation from the US Air Force Academy. In 1974, he completed undergraduate helicopter training at Fort Rucker, Ala. He has commanded special operations forces at the squadron, group, wing and subunified command level, and served as commander of all US forces assigned to Joint Task Force-510 during Operation Enduring Freedom - Philippines. Prior to his AFSOC command, he served as AFSOC Vice Commander. Lt. Gen. Wurster is a command pilot with more than 4,000 flying hours, including assignments in both rescue and special operations.
In addition to receiving his Bachelor of Science degree from the Air Force Academy, Lt. Gen. Wurster received his MA from Webster University and is a distinguished graduate of the Air Command and Staff College, and a graduate of the Industrial College of the Armed Forces.
Past Events
A Special Ambassadors’ Forum:“The Current State of American Diplomacy and Future Outlook”
In an uncertain political environment, with the retirement or resignation of so many experienced senior career Foreign Service Officers, American diplomacy is in danger of falling into a state of disarray. Can the United States maintain its global diplomatic primacy and leadership? Two former senior...
Biological Terrorism: International Dimensions
March 28, 2019
IUCTS
Biological security concerns ranging from mother nature to man-made threats by state and non-state actors transcends geographic regions. Is the international community prepared to identify, prevent, counter, and respond to future biological challenges? What are the past less...
Security Strategies for Global Supply Chains
Many industries critical to national security depend on supply chains that today are highly interconnected and global in reach. Attacks and other disruptions to these supply chains can have serious downstream consequences to our economy, infrastructure, and military capabilities. The U.S. government...
"The Role of Diplomacy in Combating Terrorism: Past Lessons and Future Outlook"
Wednesday, July 25, 2018
INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR TERRORISM STUDIES AT POTOMAC INSTITUTE FOR POLICY STUDIES
A Special Seminar on
"The Role of Diplomacy in Combating Terrorism:
Past Lessons and Future Outlook"
Combating Terrorism: National, Regional, and Global Lessons for the Next Decade and Beyond
The Potomac Institute's International Center for Terrorism Studies on April 30th, 2018 held their 20th annual event on, "Combating Terrorism: National, Regional, and Global Lessons for the Next Decade and Beyond". Terrorism by state and non-state actors poses threats to individuals, communities, nat...
Balkan Security Challenges: Past Lessons and Future Outlook
The Potomac Institute's International Center for Terrorism Studies hosted a seminar on March 1, 2018 entitled, "Balkan Security Challenges: Past Lessons and Future Outlook". The Balkans remain vulnerable to several security concerns, including organized crime, terrorism, the refugee crisis, politica...