Lieutenant Colonel Ralph Peter

Lieutenant Colonel Ralph Peter is a Visiting Scholar of the National Security Studies Program. Lieutenant Colonel Ralph Peter serves as Special Assistant to NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Transformation (SACT), Admiral Pierre Vandier, in Norfolk, Virginia. In this role, he operates as part of the Commander’s personal advisory team, contributing directly to shaping NATO’s strategic direction on Innovation, Digital Transformation, Cyber Defense, and Emerging Disruptive Technologies. Lieutenant Colonel Peter coordinates the drafting of SACT’s Vision and annual Strategic Priority updates, effectively translating strategic goals into tangible outcomes. His career reflects his proactive approach and cross-cultural agility. Prior to his NATO assignment, he commanded Germany’s 803rd Armored Engineer Battalion, guiding multinational exercises and fostering innovative operational approaches. His international experience includes strategic advisory roles during NATO’s Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan, where he served as a trusted advisor to General John W. Nicholson, and deployments to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Academically accomplished, Lieutenant Colonel Peter holds master’s degrees in Military Arts and Sciences (U.S. Army Command and General Staff College) and Education Sciences (Bundeswehr University Munich). His passion for innovation and lifelong learning is evident through his recent certifications as an Executive Leadership Coach and Professional Innovator.