MISSION
To assist specially selected international naval officers in developing their professional
and managerial skills, in order to prepare for command and staff positions within
their own navies.
HISTORY
In 1970, Admiral Elmo R. Zumwalt Jr., Chief of Naval Operations, expressed interest
in expanding the advanced professional education program for international naval
officers at the Naval War College, directly supporting the foreign policy referred
to as the Nixon Doctrine. A study concluded that the best course of action would
be to establish a separate command and staff course for mid-career international
naval officers.
"...in the military field, where we are pretty advanced, we think that we can do
it better than to try to teach somebody else to do it. That may be the easy answer
at the outset, but the wrong answer in the long run. I want to be sure that our
policies in the future, all over the world, in Asia, Latin America, Africa, and
the rest, reduce American involvement. One of assistance, yes, assistance in helping
them solve their own problems, but not going in and just doing the job ourselves
simply because that is the easier way to do it."
President Richard M. Nixon
July 25, 1969
After much preparation, Vice Admiral Stansfield Turner, President of the Naval War
College, convened the first class in August, 1972. The first director, Captain Jack
Quinn, set the course for the college in fulfilling its mission. Initially, the
course was five months long and the academic curriculum was divided into two academic
segments, and included one ten-day field study trip.
The evolution of the NSC has followed the changing tides of global political and
military relationships. The mission of the NSC remains the same as when Vice Admiral
Turner established it in 1972, but with a greater emphasis on a top-down approach
to decision-making and planning processes which distinguishes the NSC from other
service war colleges in the US and around the world.
The increasing importance of maritime relationships has correspondingly increased
the representation of countries attending the NSC. Since its inception, over 1441
naval officers have graduated representing 119 countries. The average class size
has increased to 32 students and requests for quotas now exceed openings available.
The program has been expanded to five and one-half months convening each year in
January and July. The NSC program was expanded in 2003 to include a 10-month course
that is fully integrated with NWC's College of Naval Command and Staff. The curriculum,
taught at the graduate level, emphasizes naval planning and decision-making, with
particular attention to broadening the officer's understanding of the importance
and role of sea power in international affairs. The course continues to be taught
in English and now includes four major areas of study. Supplementing the NSC core
curriculum, students attend an elective of their choice with US and international
students.
An important component (and most students' favorite part) of the curriculum is the
Information Program Visits made throughout the United States. The one ten-day field
study trip in 1972 has evolved into four one-week long trips to different regions
or cities in the United States.
Today, NSC continues to improve and update the curriculum to reflect the dynamic
changes in technology and society as it relates to maintaining peace while being
prepared for conflict. Our goal is to provide the finest professional military education
in the world and give our graduates a greater appreciation of American society,
values, and institutions.
The Naval Staff College is vital to expanding the understanding and cooperation
among world navies as envisioned in 1970. As coalition forces are increasingly used
in response to conflict and involved in peacekeeping missions around the world,
the role of NSC gains in significance. NSC will continue the high academic standards
and free exchange of ideas that make tomorrow's naval leaders better citizens of
the world as well
CLASS PROFILE
The Naval Staff College is one of four resident colleges of the US Naval War College.
Each year, specific countries are invited by the Chief of Naval Operations to send
officers to attend the Naval Staff College.
CURRICULUM
The Naval Staff College convenes a new class twice a year. In January, students
report for a five and one-half month graduate-level curriculum. In August, a new
group of students reports for a ten month graduate-level curriculum. Both curriculums
emphasize naval planning and decision-making, with particular attention to broadening
each officer's understanding of the importance and role of sea power in international
affairs.
An important component of the Naval Staff College curriculum is the Field Studies
Program (FSP), which consists of a variety of visits to organizations and landmarks
throughout the United States. These visits provide students with a balanced understanding
of US society, institutions, and culture by exposing them to our country's governmental
structure; judicial, economic, and political party systems; press and other communications
media; urban issues; agriculture; and educational institutions. This program also
affords students the opportunity to meet and discuss issues with distinguished leaders
from both military and civilian segments of American society.
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