The aim of the ICSC(MR)) is:

"To train Lieutenants in basic staff skills and to improve their understanding of defence and associated matters."

The ICSC(MR)) is run under the auspices of the Royal Naval Division at JSCSC and runs once a year for 2 weeks, normally in late July/early August. The course is aimed at Royal Naval Reserve officers of mid-seniority as Lieutenants and the syllabus is designed to prepare them for employment in appointments such as SO2/SO3 level Staff Officer on the staff of a Flag Officer of in the MOD, Head (or Deputy Head) of Department in a frigate, destroyer or submarine or membership of an Integrated Project Team (IPT).

The syllabus is divided into key areas: staff skills, knowledge of the UK Armed Forces and Defence Studies.

Staff Skills. The core of the course is the staff skills package. Students are taken through the basics of Defence Writing convections and quickly move on to cover all types of non-operational Defence Writing. The emphasis here is on the use of IT equipment combines with current Ministry of Defence (MOD) working practices on reducing unnecessary paperwork. The oral skills package concentrates on operational type briefings rather than artificial presentations, and makes considerable use of computer generated graphics to provide visual aids. The staff skills module also covers problem solving, working practices and management strategy, and uses syndicate exercises to consolidate and reinforce these points.

UK Armed Forces. The UK Armed Forces package contains a comprehensive MOD briefing and the roles, personnel and equipment of the Army and Royal Air Force. The module is particularly well supported by the background and variety of the Directing Staff (DS) who consist of Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Royal Air Force and Army officers. This module includes speakers from the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and Merchant Marine and a visit to Permanent Joint Headquarters (PJHQ) Northwood ensures that the latest operational issues within PJHQ and the Joint Rapid Reaction Force (JRRF) are covered.

Defence Studies. In response to changing conditions, both internationally and within the Armed Forces, the Defence Studies package has been recently reviewed and updated. The topics covered include UK Foreign, Defence and Security Policy, peacekeeping and peacemaking in a NATO context, procurement policy and the future of the UK Armed Forces.