Intermediate Command and Staff Course - Air (ICSC(A))
Preparation for junior command and staff appointments; staff skills, UK AF, Defence Studies.
The ICSC(A) is a 8-week residential Course aimed at newly promoted sqn ldrs and is run by the RAF Division of the JSCSC at The Defence Academy, Shrivenham. Five Courses are held every year, each with a capacity of 70 students. The ICSC(A) is available, at ACOS Manning discretion, to flt lts who have scored sufficiently highly on the PSL. It is intended that all officers should complete the ICSC(A) within 12 months of promotion to the rank of sqn ldr (either acting or substantive). Course selection criteria and loading procedures are contained in AP 7000.
The ICSC(A) Student Endstate is an officer who:
- Understands and is able to advocate the effective employment of air power in the Joint, Combined and multi-agency environments.
- Demonstrates a well-developed appreciation of contemporary doctrine and its application in Campaign planning and execution.
- Has a well-developed appreciation of command, leadership and management techniques relevant to Defence.
- Demonstrates effective analysis at the post-graduate level and delivers that analysis with clarity in writing and orally.
- Clearly understands and advocates the importance of Royal Air Force history and ethos.
Officers who complete the ICSC(A) are also awarded the Service symbol ‘ILPMD(A)’ and are awarded credits by the Open University, King’s College London and the Chartered Management Institute.
The ICSC(A) syllabus concentrates on developing command and staff skills through the study of air power, Joint doctrine, and command, leadership and management. The ICSC(A) includes visits to the Royal Navy and British Army, MOD Main Building, PJHQ and HQ Air Command. Students also participate in a staff ride to northern France, which seeks to draw out enduring lessons regarding the employment of air power. Lecturers from the King’s College London Defence Studies Department provide an academic input to elements of the Course. Tuition is mainly delivered through lectures, seminars, syndicate tutorials, discussion groups, external visits and exercises.
Links
Essential Reading
JDP0-01 British Defence Doctrine