Every October, members of the Canadian Forces College's National Security Program—a master of public administration program for senior military personnel and senior public service professionals—have the opportunity (and privilege) to travel to Ottawa to meet with high-level policy practitioners. The intent of the trip is to allow our students to compare what their in-class readings have taught them about governance and executive leadership with what actually happens in the national capital on a daily basis. In order to confirm the academic value of the experience (the field study counts toward their degree) and to stimulate thoughtful reflection and deep learning, we have introduced a journaling exercise.
