Sailing Uncertain Waters: Navigating America through an International Paradigm

This year delegates at MSC SCONA were challenged to explore how the United States can improve its international policy. Through multiple activities, delegates get the opportunity to take their interest and apply it in multiple avenues. Apart from this hands-on experience, delegates have the opportunity to listen to and interact with top officials within the United States government. 

This year MSC SCONA hosted General James C. McConville, U.S. Army; the 40th Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army. Gen. McConville’s speech centered on the role of the United States Army in the changing international system. By highlighting the rising great power competition with China, the threat of COVID-19, and the continued threat of rogue states, Gen. McConville helped students understand the role the U.S. Army will play in the future of national security. After his remarks, Gen. McConville took an hour of questions on topics ranging from national security policy to leadership. This gave students an opportunity to hear from a senior military official on the role of individuals in the making of national security.

Through the hard work of the entire MSC SCONA team, Gen. McConville’s visit placed the 66th conference in uncommon territory compared to other conferences of the past, as his place on the Joint Chiefs brings a rare and unique perspective not typically brought by other military speakers. The goal of our conference was to discuss the future of the United States in the shifting global environment and Gen. McConville’s willingness to speak in person brought a tangible perspective on this topic, as the U.S. Army remains one of the leading organizations in this shifting environment. This experience is invaluable for students, as we are the next generation of leaders to step into the career field and should look to the experiences of others to inform our career paths. 

“General McConville, as the main speaker for the first day of the conference, had this aura of importance to his speech. Being Chief of Staff of the Army, the general committee members were almost a bit star-struck to hear him speak in our very own Rudder Auditorium. Speaking to us on the important issues facing the U.S. Army going into the 2020s and how it relates to the greater national security strategy, while also fielding questions from ourselves and members of Army ROTC, was a highlight for MSC SCONA 66.”

- Carter Simmons ‘24