October 28, 2026
On October 14, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley visited Hampden-Sydney College to deliver a lecture on leadership in Crawley Forum, sponsored by Hampden-Sydney Trustee Ivan Schlager.
Serving as the 20th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 2019 to 2023, General Milley was the nation’s highest-ranking military officer and principal military advisor to the president of the United States and the secretary of defense. Previously, he served as the 39th chief of staff of the United States Army from 2015 to 2019, holding several other senior leadership positions throughout his military career.
During the evening’s lecture, moderated by Associate Dean of Students for Student Conduct and Character and Director of Greek Life Dwayne Bowyer ’92, General Milley reflected on his tenure as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the mentors who guided him throughout his military career, and the evolving nature of warfare and emerging technologies. Throughout the discussion, he emphasized the principles of leadership and the qualities necessary to be an effective leader, saying that: “All leaders have to live up to four things: commitment, competence, courage, and character.”
Milley underscored the importance of remaining committed to an organization’s mission and values, developing the competence necessary to fulfill its responsibilities, and demonstrating both physical and moral courage. He also highlighted the importance of cultivating the virtues that define one’s character and the legacy they leave behind.
Milley went on to discuss the current global landscape, addressing conflicts in Ukraine and Iran, as well as the potential for conflict in Asia. He explained how emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and drones, have changed the nature of warfare from years prior. He concluded by encouraging the next generation to remain committed to their values, pursue their passions, develop their competence, and demonstrate courage by doing what is right, even when no one is watching.
Beyond his remarks, General Milley met with Wilson Center Fellows and Hampden-Sydney ROTC cadets, offering students the opportunity to hear firsthand from one of the nation’s most experienced military leaders. His visit provided a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the principles of leadership, the responsibilities of service, and the importance of character in shaping the next generation of leaders.