Multi-century U.S.-Dutch history focal point of latest CGSC International Hall of Fame induction

FORT LEAVENWORTH, Kan. - Many U.S. Army Command and General Staff College International Hall of Fame induction ceremonies have a moment where the inductee reminisces about the "Best Year of their Life" at the Command and General Staff Officer Course and the lasting friendships with sponsors and classmates.

Lt. Gen. Jan-Willem Maas, Commander, Joint Forces Command, Netherlands, and latest inductee at the Oct. 16, 2026, ceremony, instead spoke to the withstanding partnership of the U.S. and Netherlands, which spans centuries.

"This relationship [U.S.-Dutch] did not start with a treaty signed by cautious men in a quiet room. It started with a decision on a beach, before anyone knew how the story would end. And it never really stopped," Maas said. "Two and a half centuries later, Dutch and American soldiers still train on each other's soil. American officers walk through Dutch academies, and Dutch officers walk through American ones, just as they do here. Somewhere along the way, without much ceremony, this became the oldest continuous friendship the United States has with any nation. It is not the loudest alliance, nor the largest, but it is one of the steadiest."

A direct reflection of the alliance, Maas and 67 other Dutch officers' attendance at CGSC's Command and General Staff Officer Course since 1943.

Maas, a graduate of the CGSOC Class of 2011 and School of Advanced Military Studies' Advanced Military Studies Program Class of 2012, explained lessons external to the syllabus have shaped his career and leadership, both of which earned him a spot in the IHOF.

"When I was asked to stand here today, my first thought wasn't about myself. It was about all of you, because this institution doesn't just train officers. It builds friendships between nations, one person at a time, decades before those individuals even realize it. That is certainly applicable to me," he said.

The sentiment was echoed by classmate, Col. Micah Hutchins, CGSC's newest director of the Department of Sustainment and Force Management, who, like Maas, had returned to the Lewis and Clark Center after 16 years.

Hutchins expressed pride in seeing a classmate, long-term friend, and fellow logistician be recognized for his career and leadership.

Both Maas and Maj. Gen. Patricia Wallace, Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army Reserve, U.S. Army Combined Arms Command and Fort Leavenworth, emphasized to the current CGSOC students in attendance to the potential of each of their careers following their 10 months at CGSC.

"This induction is more than a recognition of professional achievement; it celebrates service, leadership, character, and the enduring contributions of an outstanding leader," Wallace said. "It also demonstrates the potential within every student in this institution and the immense value of our shared investment in professional military education. For the current class here today, this is an opportunity to witness history and see what is possible."

With his induction, Maas is the 311th overall and 8th Dutch inductee to the IHOF.

The ceremony can be viewed here: https://www.dvidshub.net/video/1026619/cgsc-international-hall-fame-fall-2026.

About the IHOF

In 1973, the CGSC, the Kansas City Chapter of the Military Order of the World Wars, and the Alumni Association - now known as the CGSC Foundation -jointly established the International Hall of Fame.

The hall's purpose is to provide a prestigious and visible means of recognition for international graduates, who through military merit, attained qualifying positions of importance in their respective country's armed forces or who have held an equivalent position by rank or responsibility in a recognized multinational military organization.

To date, CGSC has inducted 311 international graduates from 83 different nations into the IHOF.

About Maas

Lieutenant General Maas began his service to his nation in 1991 when he was commissioned into the Field Artillery.

His early career covered several assignments in the field artillery before he was selected in 1998 to study law, with a focus on international law, at Maastricht University.

Upon completion of his law degree, he was posted to the 1st German-Netherlands Corps in Münster as a legal advisor.

He then served in the headquarters of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) as the legal advisor to the German commander, while simultaneously filling the G5 plans position.

Following this, he was posted to the General Policy Division of the Royal Netherlands Army Staff and served as a legal advisor for the Operational Training Center, before commanding the Training Battalion South in Oirschot.

Post-command, he attended the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College in Leavenworth, Kansas, gaining his advanced military studies qualification.

Subsequently, he was selected to attend the School of Advanced Military Studies, focusing on analyzing and solving complex problems at the operational and strategic levels.

During this period Lt. Col. Maas successfully completed two master's degrees in Military Art and Science in General Studies and in Theater Operations.

Returning from the United States, he was appointed to be the Chief of Staff at the Principal Directorate of General Policy Affairs.

In February 2014, he was promoted to colonel and appointed as Head of the Cabinet of the Commander of the Royal Netherlands Army.

In September 1016, as Assistant Chief of Staff J5, he was responsible for long-term planning and policy.

Upon his departure from IGNC in March 2019, he was promoted to Brigadier General and assumed command of the 13 Light Armored Brigade in Oirschot.

In January 2022, he was appointed to be the Deputy Chief of Staff-Plans at Joint Force Command Brunssum to develop NATO's defense plans.

He was appointed to his current position of the Commanding General of the Joint Support Command in September 2023.

Lt. Gen. Maas is married to Sabine and together they have two daughters and a son. His hobbies are cycling and reading.