Advanced Strategist Program

The Advanced Strategist Program (ASP) is a specialized track for students skilled in the practice of formulating, developing, and executing strategy at various leadership levels in order to fill key billets in Navy, Joint, and high-level political staffs.
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General Information

Eligibility

U.S. Navy resident students are selected and assigned to ASP prior to arrival at U.S. Naval War College (NWC). Sister services may apply for the remaining academic slots for this program.

Location & Duration

The 13-month program is completed in conjunction with the College of Naval Warfare curriculum. Students are taught at NWC in Newport, Rhode Island.

Learning Format

Core Courses are primarily seminar format but include lectures, a master's thesis, and strategic planning exercises during the summer.

Outcome

Students in this program are awarded additional credit on top of the master’s degree in National Security and Strategic Studies and JPME II credit. U.S. Naval officers will earn Naval Strategist Subspecialty Code (2300p), U.S. Air Force officers will earn Advanced Study Group credit, and U.S. Army officers will earn the 6z Army Strategist skill identifier.

Program Structure

Ongoing

Professional Paper, Master’s Thesis

Required | Core Course
Students will work on an academic master’s degree-level thesis guided by a principle academic advisor, along with a military faculty member and the ASP director.

Fall Trimester

Joint Military Operations

Required | Core Course
The Joint Military Operations course engages students in an in-depth study of the theater-strategic and operational levels of war across the spectrum of conflict.

Perspectives on Modern War

Required | Core Course
In the Fall trimester, the course considers the changing character of modern war. It explores how the evolving character of modern warfare is shaped by advancements in technology, societal shifts, and climate change, raising strategic and ethical questions for future conflict. Students will examine these factors and their impact on national security, alliances, and strategic concepts, beginning with insights from the Future Warfighting Symposium.

Advanced Strategist Program Course

Required | Elective
Students will be enrolled in a course pertaining to advanced strategy; including national security, economic considerations, and the limitations of seapower.

Winter Trimester

National Security and Decision Making

Required | Core Course
The National Security and Decision Making course focuses on strategic-level issues, including the effective selection and leadership of military forces in the context of constrained national resources, strategic planning and selection of future military forces, and their potential use as an instrument of national power.

Perspectives on Modern War

Required | Core Course
In the Winter trimester, the course focuses on leadership, culture, and ethics in modern war. It emphasizes the importance of cultural awareness and strategic empathy in enhancing ethical leadership and joint warfighting strategies. Students will explore the impact of cultural and societal factors, including the role of women in conflict and stability, through core courses, guest lectures, seminar discussions, and the Women, Peace, and Security conference.

Advanced Strategist Program Course

Required | Elective
Students will be enrolled in a course pertaining to advanced strategy; including national security, economic considerations, and the limitations of seapower.

Spring Trimester

Strategy and Policy

Required | Core Course
The Strategy and Policy course emphasizes grand strategy. Students will examine case studies to consider the long-term effectiveness of all instruments of national power, the importance of the ability to adapt in strategic leadership, and the strategic success and failure of great and regional powers as well as non-state actors over long periods of time.

Perspectives on Modern War

Required | Core Course
In the Spring trimester, the course focuses on strategy in today's world. It focuses on understanding and developing strategies for today's global security environment while preparing for future challenges. Students will critically analyze current strategic competition and various national security threats through core courses, guest lectures, and seminars, culminating in the Current Strategy Forum.

Advanced Strategist Program Course

Required | Elective
Students will be enrolled in a course pertaining to advanced strategy; including national security, economic considerations, and the limitations of seapower.

Summer Practicum

Leadership in the Profession of Arms

Required | Core Course
This course allows students to recognize their impact on those they lead and enhance their thinking and ethical decision-making for their future leadership roles.

Summer Capstone

Required | Core Course
The summer program offers students the opportunity to apply their academic and practitioner knowledge. Each summer program will be tailored to available opportunities and student interest and can also include travel opportunities.

Incoming Students

Contact Information

Advanced Strategist Program

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