Defence and Strategic Studies course

Overview

The Defence and Strategic Studies Course (DSSC) is a 47 week residential course for senior military officers and selected Australian Public Servants. The course prepares selected high performing officers and officials for senior appointments in the national security environment.

The course  curriculum is delivered primarily at the Joint Professional Military Education Level Four. It explores strategic and defence policy and planning, joint warfighting, leadership and management, and security issues of global, regional and national importance. The course has a strong practitioner focus, that provides senior military and civilian officials with the knowledge, awareness and skills to operate at the highest levels of leadership, command, policy formulation and management.

Learning outcomes

The academic content is delivered in partnership with Deakin University  and the majority of course members attain a post-graduate qualification in National Security and Strategy. A select few may complete a Master in Business Administration.

Selection

Military

O6 rank. Selection is made by relevant Service HQ to match allocations. Lists of nominated individuals are to be provided to the Admin Coordination Cell at adc.w.acc.admin@defence.gov.au. 

ADF APS

EL2 level. Individuals are to self-nominate to Defence Learning Branch (DLB) IAW the relevant DEFGRAM. DLB will coordinate review of submissions and interviews of short listed candidates with the Course Director and COMDT AWC.

Other Government Agencies (OGA) APS

Specific OGA will receive a formal invitation from COMDT AWC or COM ADC. The OGA are requested to identify and select suitable candidates and notify AWC per instructions in the formal invitation.

International students

Students are selected by their Governments on invitation from the ADF. Nominations are submitted through the ADF International Policy Division (IP) Div Desk Officers. DLB will provide lists of nominated individuals to the ADC Admin Coordination Cell at adc.w.acc.admin@defence.gov.au.

 

Audience

ADF | Defence APS | Other Government agencies | International military | International public sector