Des Moines National Security Forum focuses on leadership

Lt. Gen. Milford H. Beagle, Jr., U.S. Army (Ret.), leads a discussion on leadership principles he lays out in his recently published book, “When the Map Runs Out: Values, Judgement and Clarity in Uncertain Times,” during the Des Moines National Security Forum at the Des Moines Embassy Club West in West Des Moines, Iowa on March 25, 2026.

Simons Center Director Todd Schmidt welcomes attendees to the Des Moines National Security Forum on March 25, 2026.

The CGSC Foundation and its Simons Center hosted a gathering of the Des Moines National Security Forum (DMNSF) at the Des Moines Embassy Club West in West Des Moines, Iowa on March 25, 2026. In this presentation of the forum, Lt. Gen. Milford H. Beagle, Jr., U.S. Army, Retired, led a discussion on leadership principles he lays out in his recently published book When the Map Runs Out: Values, Judgement and Clarity in Uncertain Times.

Simons Center Director Todd Schmidt provided welcome remarks, recognized the sponsors and after lunch, introduced Beagle.

In his presentation, Beagle spoke about how leadership is personal. It isn’t just a series of procedures you can follow, because “when the map runs out” or when you exhaust “procedures,” you must rely on your internal compass – your values, judgement and courage.

After the presentation, Beagle led a question and answer session with the attendees during which he related his experiences leading small and large organizations, lessons he’s learned over time, and the greatest challenges he sees with leadership.

Lt. Gen. Milford H. Beagle, Jr., U.S. Army (Ret.), served 35 years in the Army and is continuing the same mission in a different suit. With his passion for leading and helping others achieve their goals, Beagle is now leading his own consulting services business, Beags and Associates, helping leaders and organizations build leaders, shape strategies and drive transformation in complex environments, just as he did while in military uniform.

During his 35-year military career, Beagle led and guided teams at every level – from front line units to large, global organizations – culminating in leading the U.S. Army’s intellectual enterprise for training, leader development, education, and doctrine development.

Beagle holds master’s degrees from Kansas State University, the School of Advanced Military Studies and is a current doctoral student at Louisiana State University – Shreveport.

The CGSC Foundation’s Simons Center designed the Des Moines National Security Forum in the mold of its Arter-Rowland National Security Forum in Kansas City, wherein members of the forum meet periodically at guest speaker events to learn about issues related to national security. To help facilitate the new program in Des Moines, Brownells in Grinnell, Iowa, is the Simons Center’s local partner. Brownells Chairman Pete Brownell is also the Vice Chair for the Central Region of the U.S. for the CGSC Foundation’s board of trustees.

~ Thank you to our 2025 DMNSF Sponsors ~