by Michelle Simmons
July 2, 2012
In May CIA Director David Petraeus received an honorary doctor of public service and delivered the Commencement address at Dickinson. He also spoke at the ROTC commissioning ceremony and took time with Editor Michelle Simmons to share some of his insights and experiences over a long and distinguished career. Below are some audio excerpts from that interview.
Q: You came of age during the Vietnam era, when public confidence in the U.S. military—and internal morale—was at its lowest point. What was it about a military career that appealed to you?
Q: Today, the military is highly professionalized and well regarded; at the same time, fewer are serving in the armed forces. Do you have any concerns about the general public’s understanding of the military's purpose and function in a democracy?
Q: You’ve mentioned education quite a bit. What are some things you think colleges and universities need to be doing?
Q: You seem to have a real sense of optimism.
Q: Maybe it's too soon to ask, but I am curious. Have you discussed [with wife Holly Knowlton Petraeus ’74] what happens after the CIA?
Read ‘First with the Truth,’ the Q&A interview in Dickinson Magazine.