General David Petraeus, former director of the Central Intelligence Agency and former commander of the U.S. Central Command, spoke to around 1,000 students, faculty, staff and members of the local community on Feb. 6 at the Don Taft University Center Arena as part of the Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences’ Distinguished Speaker Series.
Gary Gershman, professor in the Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences Division of Humanities, moderated the event and spoke to Petraeus about his journey in the army. The evening began with Gershman introducing Petraeus with an overview of his accomplishments, before the audience rose to their feet to welcome the guest speaker.
The 61-year-old general discussed the importance of his roles and that of the individuals who risk their lives in the army. He also encouraged the audience to take initiative in everything they do.
“In the absence of guidance or orders, figure out what they should have been,” he said.
Though Petraeus had had many roles and responsibilities, he said that all his decisions came with one thing: doubt.
“I think no commander ever is going to come out and say, I’m confident that we can do this,” he said.
Petraeus became director of the CIA under President Barack Obama in 2011, but resigned in late 2012, amid reports of an extramarital affair with Paula Broadwell, author of his biography.
“We all make mistakes. They key is to recognize them and admit them, to learn from them,” said Petraeus, referring to controversial actions in both his professional and personal life.
Petraeus said that undergoing difficult challenges is the only way to grow. His actions have allowed him to self-reflect and understand himself better.
However, one thing that Petraeus would prefer not to speculate about is a hypothetical.
When an audience member asked what Pertaeus would have done if hadn’t resigned from the CIA nor retired from the military, he said, “I don’t like to look into the future. Even if I were able to, I wouldn’t.”
Petraeus also brushed aside the idea of having political ambitions.
“I am not a politician, and I will never be. I say that with absolute conviction,” Petraeus said.
Hannah Smith, freshman prekindergarten and primary education major, came to the event having no idea what to expect.
“I saw it being advertised and I thought it would be interesting, knowing his background,” she said. “I have to admit, I look at him in a much more respectable way after listening to him. He is truly inspiring.”
