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
ICTS Seminar - “Jerusalem: Outlook for War or Peace?” - Dec. 21, 2015
Issues including the historical, political, legal, and strategic context of Jerusalem was discussed by scholars and diplomats from the region.
Securing the Homeland: Information Sharing and the Role of Law Enforcement Seminar
On December 3, 2015, the Potomac Institute held a seminar entitled “Securing the Homeland: Information Sharing and the Role of Law Enforcement.” Michael Swetnam, CEO of the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies, provided the opening and closing remarks, and the panel included four distinguished g...
The Potomac Institute hosts ITAR Seminar
International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) Seminar hosted by the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies.
December 1, 2015
“U.S. Combating the Islamic State: Is a New Strategic Blueprint Needed?”
In view of the expanding challenges of the “Caliphate without borders” at home and abroad, is there a need for a new American strategy “to degrade, and ultimately destroy ISIL”?
Should the Islamic State be viewed as a threat equal or greater than al-Qa’ida for the U.S. and the internation...
ICTS Seminar - Russia’s Middle East Strategy: Quo Vadis?" - Oct. 23, 2015
Potomac Institute for Policy Studies
International Center for Terrorism Studies
Does Russia's latest involvement in the Syrian crisis marks a significant “game-changer” in the Middle East? Can this "surprise" development lead to an escalated confrontation or contribute to combating terrorism in...