Maritime Operational Planners Course

The Maritime Operational Planners Course (MOPC) develops planners capable of performing in dynamic, complex, and high-tempo maritime operational environments. The curriculum is based on Navy, naval, and joint doctrine as well as emerging concepts at Fleet Maritime Operations Centers and observations from the U.S. Naval War College's (NWC) Assist and Assess Team fleet visits.
Wargame in progress

General Information

Eligibility

This course is available to officers 03 to 05, en-route or already assigned to a maritime headquarters. U.S. Government civilians are also eligible (GS11-GS14).

Location & Duration

MOPC is a 12-13 week course offered twice yearly (Spring and Fall) at NWC in Newport, Rhode Island.

Learning Format

Core components incorporate seminars and practical exercises using realistic case studies relevant to current global maritime challenges.

Outcome

Graduates of the MOPC are designated Maritime Operational Planners, acquiring the Additional Qualification Designation of Joint Planner Maritime (JPM). In addition, graduates receive partial JPME Credit for the College of Distance Education’s Web-enabled course.

Program Structure

Foundation

Course Overview

Required
Students will examine both the art and science associated with military activities across the range of military operations. Introductory sessions anchor MOPC with a review of key operational art and theoretical concepts that form the foundations of planning.

During your Stay

Navy Planning Process Steps

Required
This course is organized in modules that center on the steps of the Navy Planning Process (NPP) and incorporations several staff functions and activities within the NPP.

Seminars and Practical Exercises

Required
This course incorporates seminars and practical exercises using realistic case studies relevant to current global maritime challenges. These exercises include multiple in-depth iterations of the NPP exposing the students to multiple maritime problems.

Operational Planning Team Leadership

Required
Student teams are formed that perform planning and staff processes in support of the mission and planning requirements. Positions within the planning team are rotated to allow opportunity for all students to lead and direct the process, develop directives, and conduct briefings.

Additional Studies

Crisis Action Planning

Required
Several crisis action planning evolutions are woven through the course to expose the students to utilization of the NPP in a time compressed environment.

Student Information

Contact Information

MOPC General Admin

More Information

MOPC Graduates of the in-residence course (grandfathered back to July 2012) will receive credit for Block 5 of the College of Distance Education's (CDE) Naval Command & Staff (NC&S) Online Program. Once successful completion of CDE's NC&S Blocks 1, 2, 3, and 4 occurs, the student will earn Joint Professional Military Education Phase I. Those who received a MOPC AQD attending the temporary online MOLS offering are not eligible for this credit.

Students involved in a wargame.
Hand moves game pieces