Following 22 years of service in the US Army, LTC Joseph Hilbert continues to serve his country and currently studies at the Army War College. According to him, “The Olmsted experience far exceeded my expectations when it comes to the ability to think broadly. It opened my eyes to a different worldview and then gave me opportunities to experience this in a way I wouldn’t have before.”

LTC Hilbert graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in International Ministries from Moody Bible Institute. After completing training as a Field Artillery Officer at Fort Sill, OK, he was placed in leadership as a Fire Direction Officer and Platoon Leader in the 2nd Armored Cavalry; as the Battery Commander with the 1st Armored Division Artillery; and as the Aide-de-Camp with the US Army Security Assistance Command.

During his Olmsted experience, he studied at the University of Leipzig in, Germany. After learning to speak German at the Defense Language Institute, he moved to East Germany with his wife and three children 3,5,7. While at the University, he received a Master’s in European Studies. In addition, he was selected to participate in a Young Leaders Study Group sponsored by one American and two German non-profit organizations. It was a collaboration of public and private sector professionals and journalists, exploring European expansion and the future of the relationship between Europe and the United States.

After his Olmsted experience, he continued his career as a Battalion S3 and then Commander of 5th Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery. Before becoming a student again at the Army War College, he was also the Deputy Chief of Staff for the 7th Infantry Division.

According to LTC Hilbert, “The Olmsted Scholar Program is the best broadening assignment an Army captain or major could do because it allows them to operate independently in a different culture using a different language in order to learn how to think broadly. There is nothing that matches the developmental potential of being an Olmsted Scholar.”