Prof. Neer is eloquent. He manages to capture the students’ attention throughout 3-hour lecture without losing us for a minute. I only wish that this course was 6-months long instead of 1.5-months, so we would have had more time to spend on reading his wonderful book list and improving the quality of our research papers.

“Prof. Neer has been teaching this class for 10ys, which allows him to present a wealth of information about this subject and beyond. He is well prepared, updates students with different authors' views on the U.S. military and provoke students to explore beyond the covers of the books' list. He is eloquent. Prof. Neer's experience of living and working overseas adds an international approach to the subject. I think every American should be in his class to understand how the U.S. as a colony arrives as a leading country in the world.”

Professor Neer is extremely knowledgeable, kind, available, and enthusiastic. Without a doubt the best professor I have had at Columbia.

“This is a great course. The reading load is heavy but the books are interesting. Professor Neer’s PowerPoint lectures are brilliant and he facilitates interesting class discussions.”

“A comprehensive, all-around learning experience of the Global History of the U.S. Military.”

“It covered the part of the history that few people would talk about and know. Our class is extremely interesting, and I learned a lot about the history of US military.”

“The course on the history of the United States military offers a comprehensive overview of key events, conflicts, and developments from the Revolutionary War to the present day. It goes beyond surface-level information, encouraging students to engage in critical analysis and interpretation of historical events. By fostering critical thinking and analytical skills, the course enables students to develop a deeper understanding of the complexities of United States military history. I would strongly recommend taking this course!”

Professor Neer did an excellent job of communicating to students both in and out of the classroom. While acknowledging the pace and course load were high; he remained flexible to the needs of students. Learning was the first objective and I felt comfortable, and motivated to absorb the course content. He also introduced controversial topics in such a way that did not discourage open discussion and debate. Rather, it was encouraged. He was timely in his responses, offered great feedback, was always available to students (I wish I had taken more advantage of this), and guided students throughout the course ensuring unity of effort and understanding of his expectations. Well done.

I found the material to be refreshing, and the discussions to be intellectually stimulating. I learned new history, new strategies, and new terms and definitions of the United States Armed Forces. I was able to view the military from the outside and apply academic thinking in ways I could never have done as a soldier.

Pr. Neer embodied this great American myth of charisma between the professionalism and the friendliness, allowing both to be playful while fundamentally remaining serious. I think that the way he vocally assumed that we were all great and were putting so much effort was for me a way to put even more in it, and be able to find some weight in what I was doing. The content of his lecture was as intense as the readings and this is what I appreciated, more so than the class topic, mostly the challenge to be up to an intellectual standard that was higher but that I could reach more and reach each day. Pr Neer was always available for us. Also, what a great chance to benefit from all the speakers he brought into the class. In brief, the class in which I felt the more challenge, that so because Pr Neer thought that we were so obviously ready to be challenge. "Trust your students and they'll give it to you."

“Prof. Neer masterfully weaved different forms of media together to exploit the remote format's full potential. The course's strength are the strong central topics, excellent readings, and vibrant class discussions.”

“I'll admit that I had absolutely no idea what I had signed up for, Empire of Liberty was the only thing that fit in my schedule over the summer, but I am so glad I took this class. ... Overall, I really liked taking Professor Neer's class and would recommend it to anyone interested in history academically or recreationally.”

“He is an excellent professor. His lectures are all really interesting and he allows for conversation and debates within in class that are respectful and he allows students to challenge him and encourages us to form our own opinion with the class material and I think that is a wonderful way to promote a positive discussion.”

“Fantastic course. It is a very informative class and Professor Neer is a great teacher that is interested in his students learning rather than busywork and excessive coursework. The class requires quite a bit of reading, yet nothing that isn’t manageable.”

“Dr. Robert Neer is a passionate and talented instructor. He is deeply knowledgable about the US military and is able to articulate and guide the classroom discussion towards gratifying arguments.”

“Very strong in all respects. One of the best professors I have had.”

“Super approachable, friendly and knowledgeable.”

Prof. Neer is one of the very best professors I have ever had. He's professional, courteous and, most of all, truly cares about his students. And he really knows his materials. [Columbia student]