Graduate-level training and education that develops critical thinkers, innovative problem-solvers and ethical leaders
The Joint Services Command and Staff College (JSCSC) provides training and education for:
- UK armed forces
- civil servants
- international allies
JSCSC develops the specific military skills and awareness to equip our personnel for the demands of the full spectrum of operations in the Information Age.
Mission
In a rapidly changing strategic environment, JSCSC supports defence to ensure our people have the skills they need to address current and future security and defence challenges, at home and abroad.
JSCSC’s mission is to deliver the ‘intellectual edge’ required to achieve success on operations and leadership in defence, through:
- study of contemporary strategic and military issues, complemented by facilitated group discussions, practical exercises and defence engagement
- striving to create a diverse and questioning learning environment that fosters ingenuity, critical thinking and debate
The college has an increasing focus on the impact of technology, cyber, space and big data, as well as emerging strategic trends and risks. We are developing war and decision gaming as tools to enable learning in complex strategic and operational contexts.
Networks
JSCSC is supported by our academic partner, King’s College London’s Defence Studies Department who provide a portfolio of accredited masters pathways. Each course is supported by a range of eminent contributors and speakers from the UK and overseas, military and non-military, who share their expertise with the course.
JSCSC supports a range of pathways and programmes, delivered from the modern, purpose-built Cormorant Building at the Defence Academy’s Shrivenham site. The bespoke learning environment offered by the JSCSC enables students to develop relationships across not just the UK military and Civil Service, but also with our international allies.
The Higher Command and Staff Course (HCSC) is a combined, joint and interagency defence and security course delivered at the post-graduate level.
The course focuses on preparing future leaders and staff officers for the highest levels of operational command and control, to hone their ‘intellectual edge’ to meet the challenges of the modern world in an era of constant competition; able to successfully operate below the threshold of conflict whilst being ready to instantaneously transition to warfighting when required.
The majority of students are UK military, although overseas military officers and key partners from other British government departments and UK industry also attend.
The course is delivered through a combination of lectures, syndicate room discussions, exercises and visits. Although it is underpinned by the study of the global context and the formulation of strategy, the course is centred around a full spectrum approach to command at the operational level of conflict.
Through academic insight, peer-to-peer learning, reflection time and regular mentorship, attendees will build a network of like-minded security professionals to support them throughout their careers. As a cohort, those on HCSC will delve into:
- national strategies
- decision-making within crisis-management and operational design
- the utility of force
- individual leadership in preparation for higher command
Because modern warfare is continuously evolving, HCSC is reviewed annually to ensure it remains at the cutting edge of contemporary security education.
HCSC is a 16-week annual course running from early January to late April.
The course is supported by King’s College London’s Defence Studies Department with specially selected distinguished lectures and speakers. There is no academic award as a result of attending HCSC.
It is not possible to apply to attend HCSC. Attendance by overseas and partners across government course members is by specific invitation only. All attendees must attain the specified security accreditation to attend the course.
The Advanced Command and Staff Course (ACSC) prepares mid-ranking UK and international military officers, and civil servants, for senior positions.
During their year on ACSC, course members are encouraged to think critically and make decisions that evaluate moral, ethical, and legal consideration within a military context.
The course represents a unique opportunity for both military and non-military course members to study in an open, enquiring and intellectually challenging environment.
ACSC focuses on:
- understanding the world through a theoretical grounding in international relations, security systems, policy, and strategy
- managing the defence enterprise, by developing business skills
- developing the skills required to operate in the information age battlespace as part of an integrated force
- building a capability to manage and develop self, as well as lead and develop others through critical thinking, effective communication, and collaborative working
ACSC is delivered in partnership with King’s College London’s Defence Studies Department. Course members can undertake an optional postgraduate in:
- Masters in Defence Studies
- Master of Sciences in Defence Innovation
- Masters by Research in Defence Studies
In addition to the 11-month residential course, a specifically tailored blended version of ACSC has been created for reservists. ACSC(R) is delivered over seven months through a combination of online and residential learning.
Attendance to ACSC is by invitation only. To register interest, UK military personnel should contact their career managers. Civil servants should contact Defence Main Effort Civilian. International military officers should contact the UK Defence Attaché in their country.
The Royal Navy Division (RND) delivers the Intermediate Command and Staff Course (Maritime) (ICSC(M)) to naval officers and their civilian counterparts to support the operational effectiveness of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Royal Fleet Auxiliary.
ICSC(M) prepares course members for operational and HQ command and leadership roles in the Royal Navy and joint environment. The course focuses on:
- leadership skills
- critical thinking
- communications skills
- understanding of the international environment
- knowledge of UK defence management and military capabilities
ICSC(M) consists of two residential modules delivered that can be completed sequentially or as a full nine-week programme. Module one, covers conceptual elements and lasts four weeks, covering:
- the international environment
- maritime power
- joint operations
- self-awareness
Module two, is the practical element of the course and covers:
- planning
- organisational leadership
- command and staff skills
The course is delivered through a combination of lectures, syndicate room discussions, visits, military tutorials, practical planning, wargaming and a final staff ride.
ICSC(M) also welcomes applications from international students.
RND has academic links with King’s College London. On completion of ICSC(M), course members are awarded a Level 7 Extended Diploma in Strategic Leadership and Management (awarded by the Institute of Leadership and Management).
The Intermediate Officer Development Programme (IODP), run by the RAF Division, trains and educates junior officers, squadron leaders and select warrant officers to develop the intellectual edge needed for success on operations and in leadership.
IODP is vital to ensure that RAF personnel have the knowledge, skills and understanding to operate and meet the challenges of the modern world, both on and off the battlefield.
To do so, IODP develops RAF officers incrementally through five sequential courses, starting at Intermediate Officer Development 1 (IOD1), IOD2 and IOD3 at 2-year intervals. IOD4 typically follows promotion to squadron leader and is followed by IOD5, which concludes the IODP.
IOD courses focus on building knowledge and understanding of:
- leadership
- management
- command
- air, space and cyber power
- communication skills
- problem solving critical thinking, planning and analysis
Those undertaking the programme are expected to develop analytical skills, critical thinking, resilience and collaborative approaches to complex problem-solving. The IODP is delivered face-to-face, digitally or through blended learning. Residential elements are preceded by up to 30-hours of online learning.
Allied nations are welcome to request their officers attend the IODP as one way to promote defence engagement.
The RAF Division has academic links with King’s College London, Staffordshire University, Portsmouth University, Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) and the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).
