International Programs Department

The Naval Command College (NCC) course is an eleven-month program designed to prepare senior officers for the highest levels of command. It is open to international naval officers in the grades O-5 and O-6 (Commanders and Captains) upon invitation of the U.S. Chief of Naval Operations. Students pursue senior level core curriculum in classrooms alongside their U.S. counterparts—Strategy & Policy, National Security Decision Making, Joint Military Operations, Leadership in the Profession of Arms, and take specialized electives in areas of their interest. This curriculum is based upon requirements levied by the Joint Chiefs of Staff and confirms Joint Professional Military Education Phase II (JPME II). Students also participate in a robust Field Studies Program that allows them to travel around the U.S. to gain an increased understanding of American institutions, values, and way of life. All graduates are awarded a Naval War College diploma. Additionally, the opportunity to pursue a Master of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies is offered to a limited number of NCC students who meet all academic prerequisites and volunteer to undertake the additional study requirements. The course convenes annually July through June. (MASL P171001)

The Naval Staff College (NSC) course is an eleven-month program designed to prepare mid-career officers for the challenges of command and major staff duty. In addition to participating in the intermediate level core curriculum alongside their U.S. counterparts -- Strategy and War, Theater Security Decision Making, Joint Military Operations, Leadership in the Profession of Arms, and students take specialized electives in areas of their interest. This curriculum is based upon requirements levied by the Joint Chiefs of Staff and confirms Joint Professional Military Education Phase I (JPME I). Students also participate in a robust Field Studies Program that allows them to travel around the U.S. to gain an increased understanding of American institutions, values, and way of life. All graduates are awarded a Naval Staff College diploma. Additionally, the opportunity to pursue a Master of Arts degree in Defense and Strategic Studies is offered to a limited number of NSC students who meet all academic prerequisites and volunteer to undertake the additional study requirements. The course convenes annually July through June. (MASL P171010)

The Maritime Security and Governance Staff Course (MSGSC) is a five-month staff course intended to provide international navy, coast guard, and maritime law enforcement officers with the operational knowledge and strategic perspectives needed to effectively conduct maritime security operations, evaluate a complex maritime threat environment, formulate effective maritime security strategies, and achieve good maritime governance at national and regional levels. In addition, students will participate in a Field Studies Program that includes travel around the U.S. The course is designed for mid-grade naval officers but is open to all uniformed military personnel and government officials in the equivalent rank/paygrade of O-3 to O-5 (NATO OF-2 to OF-4). Classes convene in January and July 2023, 2024, and 2025. (MASLP179699)

The International Maritime Staff Operators Course (IMSOC) is a twelve-week course designed to provide international naval officers the knowledge and skills needed to support the planning and execution of maritime operations and integrate with existing operational planning teams on national, allied and coalition staffs. The course enables students to comprehend, analyze and apply maritime operational level processes and procedures necessary to plan, prepare, execute and assess combined maritime operations. Students also participate in a Field Studies Program that includes travel around the United States to gain an understanding of American institutions, values, and way of life. The course typically convenes twice a year, in the fall from August to November and in the spring from March to June. (MASL P179622)

The IMSO is your gateway to the NWC experience. They will ensure that you are checked into the program, thoroughly briefed on local services, housing and all of the many concerns you will have about getting you and your family settled for your time in Newport. Please see the Student Guide (PDF) for detailed information about your time at the college.

The IMSO here is your point of contact to assist you with questions and concerns from the time the invitation message is released until the student is back home. Please see the Security Cooperation Officer Guide (PDF) for more detailed information about the international programs offered at the Naval War College.

An important and integral part of the NWC experience is the sponsor program. Our sponsors play an invaluable role for our arriving students, assisting with getting settled, adjusting to a new and foreign country and helping with the myriad details for setting up a household. They also provide a level of exposure to American life and culture that complements the official academic and social program for the course.