Intermediate Officer Development Course A

Practitioner
IOD A is mandated command and staff training for all RAF junior officers. Completion of the course is a pre-requisite for promotion to squadron leader.

Course Information

Level: Practitioner
Location: Shrivenham
School/Centre: Joint Services Command and Staff College
Course Code: IOD-A
Duration: 3 weeks
When: No dates available

About this course

The course is the first in a series of three modules which together make up the Intermediate Officer Development Programme. It is phase three professional military education (PME) which is designed to help broaden junior officers (JOs) beyond their professional specialisation, and maximise their capabilities performance in rank.

You are required to complete IOD A prior to substantive promotion to squadron leader, after which you will then be eligible to complete IOD B and C. The overall programme is accredited with the Institute of Leadership and Management and attracts credits from Staffordshire University against a range of courses at masters' level (Level 7).

What you will learn

The following topic areas will be covered:

  • leadership
  • management
  • command
  • air and space power
  • communication skills
  • problem solving, critical thinking, planning and analysis

How this course will help your career

Having completed the course, you will be more-rounded, with greater knowledge and understanding of how to successfully apply your leadership and communication skills in the context of current and future service challenges.

Entry requirements

Who can attend this course

  • Military
  • MOD civil servants
  • Partners across government (PAG)
  • Internationals

The course is designed for RAF officers of all professions and aligns with the RAF officer development requirements outlined in the 22 Group generic performance statement, which mandates PME standards for RAF officers through to wing commander.

You will be prioritised on the course by your RAF career manager. Subject to availability officers of other nations, MOD civil servants and PAG may be able to attend if approved by director, RAF division, in consultation with air career management.

Course content will generally be classified no higher than 'official sensitive' but some limited elements may include 'secret' material.

Course members will only be permitted to attend sessions for which they hold the appropriate clearances.

Before you attend

There are course pre-requisites which you will need to complete via the Defence Learning Environment (DLE) in the three months prior to the residential element of the course.

These include an understanding of fundamental leadership models, core air power roles, RAF ethos and standards, and to be familiar with the MIOT syllabus outcomes.

Additional information

How the course will be taught

  • Face-to-face/Residential
  • Blended

How you will be assessed

You will be formatively assessed on your written and verbal communications, critical thinking skills, and contribution to leadership exercises and group planning tasks.