By Shane Eric-Eugene Hensinger
MA Candidate, International Security
Josef Korbel School of International Studies

A gathering of intelligence veterans focusing on key issues in global security highlighted the inaugural Fall Colloquium on National Security Studies 21st Century Challenges and Opportunities held Oct. 20 at the University of Denver.

The gathering represented a significant opportunity for Josef Korbel students to meet face-to-face with intelligence experts and discuss key international issues.

Two intelligence veterans with close ties to the Josef Korbel School opened the conference.

Harold Gregory, the CIA's officer in residence at the Josef Korbel School, and Josef Korbel School Professor Peg Sanders, who worked for the CIA for 25 years before joining the school, both said in opening remarks that they hoped the conference would "demistify" the intelligence community.

Gregory and Sanders said they wanted the colloquium to allow an exchange of ideas on issues including non-traditional war tactics, diplomacy and research techniques.

The colloquium featured a wide-ranging discussion with former and current intelligence officers, analysts, and collectors along with staff from the Central Intelligence Agency, National Intelligence Agency, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Defense Intelligence Agency, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, and North American Air Defense Command.

Discussions included the intelligence challenges and opportunities facing the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the use of intelligence-forecasting using models like those used by the Josef Korbel School's Frederick S. Pardee Center for International Futures and the challenges and opportunities facing the intelligence community in the 21st century.

Representatives from the U.S. Air Force Academy and the University of Colorado-Boulder also participated.

After the session wrapped studens and those in attendance were given time for discussion and networking.