Thanks in large part to the eagerness of Colonel William Ostlund of the U.S. Army and his past experiences with ALLIES, we were able to organize a video teleconference in which students were able to talk with him from his office in Zabul province, Afghanistan on his mission to train Afghan security forces and the upcoming drawdown of American forces in the country. Co-sponsored by the International Relations Department, the event was an opportunity for ALLIES members and other students on campus to hear directly from an officer executing policy in the field and for ALLIES to continue our fruitful relationship with Col. Ostlund. Colonel Ostlund is the Commander of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team (Light), 1st Infantry Division in the U.S. Army.