Discussing national security in Naples, FL (McGrath '97)

Published on April 3, 2026

Celebrating 20 years of fostering a culture of critical inquiry and thoughtful discussion, and promoting informed decision-making, leading to meaningful social change!

Amy McGrath will examine the accelerating shifts in U.S. foreign policy and their long-term implications for American security, economic stability, and democratic values, along with the recent developments and conflicts, such as Venezuela, Iran/the Middle East and Ukraine, and their potential consequences.

After graduating from Annapolis, McGrath served as a Marine Corps F/A-18 fighter pilot and weapons system officer with 3 combat deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. She was the first woman in the Marine Corps to fly a combat mission. McGrath served in the Armed Forces for 24 years. After operational flying tours, she served as a Congressional Fellow advising on defense and foreign affairs to the House Armed Services Committee and subsequently was assigned to the Pentagon as a Marine Corps liaison to the State Department. McGrath concluded her military career as a senior political science instructor at the U.S. Naval Academy. McGrath founded Honor Bound, Inc., a 501(c)(4) nonpartisan organization committed to leadership development for women with a military service background, encouraging them to run for elected office.

A member of the Council on Foreign Relations, McGrath has a B.S. from the U.S. Naval Academy and an M.A. in Global Security from The Johns Hopkins University. Currently, she hosts a podcast on national security entitled “Truth in the Barrel.”

Learn more about the Center for Critical Thinking.

Tickets still available on first come, first serve.

BZ '97