About International Programs
Admiral Arleigh A. Burke, who provided the vision for International Programs in 1956, was clearly a visionary in his understanding of the value of maritime engagement. The global security environment presents an increasingly complex set of challenges and opportunities.
Each year we bring 100 to 150 foreign officers to the U.S. from around the world. They study strategy, warfare, decision making, and operational art. Equally important, they learn how the United States works as a country through the field studies program. Each officer is greatly influenced by what they see and learn in the United States while forming strong and lasting bonds with their U.S. and international classmates.
After graduation, NWC continues to strengthen friendship and cooperation by sponsoring periodic alumni regional symposia to further promote multilateral relationships, cooperation, and exchange of ideas and to give U.S. Navy regional commanders a unique opportunity to meet and collaborate with these distinguished military leaders.
International Courses at NWC
Naval Command College
Click to Open In the Naval Command College (NCC), senior international officers pursue eleven months of graduate-level study in residence. Annually, the U.S. Navy Chief of Naval Operations personally invites his counterparts in selected countries to nominate students for the NCC. The NCC program has five major pillars: orientation, the core curriculum, electives, the Field Studies Program (DOC), and the cultural exchange. International students are fully integrated with their U.S. counterparts in the College of Naval Warfare (CNW).
Visit NCC Naval Staff College
Click to Open Since its inception in 1972, over 2300 naval officers representing 134 countries have graduated from the Naval Staff College. Bringing together a group of distinguished international officers from diverse cultures and ideologies who share maritime traditions, experiences, and challenges invariably leads to a unique and long lasting camaraderie among students, staff, and faculty. The Naval Staff College is a graduate-level curriculum that emphasizes naval planning and decision making, with particular attention to broadening the officers’ understanding of the importance and role of sea power in international affairs.
Visit NSC International Maritime Staff Operators Course
Click to Open The International Maritime Staff Operator Course (I-MSOC) is a 12-week course jointly designed by Naval War College International Programs and the College of Operational and Strategic Leadership, to provide international naval officers the skills needed to support the planning and execution of maritime operations and integrate with existing operational planning teams.
Visit I-MSOC To see more course offerings at Naval War College please visit our programs offered page.
Programs OfferedInternational Military Student Office and Sponsor Information
The Naval War College International Military Student Office (IMSO) have over 20 years experience seeing to the administrative and professional needs of our diverse student body.
For Students
Click to Open 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.
For Sponsors and Prospective Sponsors
Click to Open The IMSO manages our sponsor program. An important and integral part of the NWC experience, 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.
If you are interested in becoming an international sponsor, please contact the IMSO office. We will be happy to provide details about the program and our current needs.
International Seapower Symposium
The International Sea Power Symposium (ISS) is co-hosted by the Chief of Naval Operations and the President, U.S. Naval War College. It occurs in every second year. Attendees include the chiefs of the navies and coast guards from nations around the globe.
More Information on ISS