Intermediate Command and Staff Course (Maritime) - ICSC(M)

You will understand the contributions of the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force to Defence. This package studies the core capabilities of the UK armed forces and the environments in which they operate. Supported by a Joint Staff consisting of Royal Navy, Royal Marine, Army and Royal Air Force officers, the maritime contribution to Defence is also studied.

The utility and constraints of military force are explored covering topics such as: 

Combined Operations are discussed exposing the specific challenges faced during NATO and other coalition operations and students are introduced to the Maritime Tactical Estimate. The 3 day tour to the Normandy beaches or Belgium will enable you to experience this environment first-hand. 

You will analyse the application of Maritime Power across the full spectrum of conflict. The maritime studies module (Strategy, Environment, Capabilities, and the Royal Navy) aims to develop your understanding of the unique nature and importance of the maritime environment whilst putting the Royal Navy properly into the context of the strategic environment.

You will evaluate the importance of Command, Leadership, Management, Ethics and Ethos (CLME). The ICSC(M) provides an important opportunity for you to discuss a wide range of CLME topics and take stock of your own personal development. 

These studies are inter-woven throughout the course with opportunities taken to expose you to the personal experiences and insights of CLME from a wide range of speakers.  A number of historical leaders are studied to draw out the lessons for contemporary maritime officers; these are supported by syndicate room discussions and tutorials which allow the key issues to be further explored and debated.  This part of the course culminates in the delivery of individual CLME presentations during which you will explain why your chosen leader may or may not have been successful.

You will demonstrate critical thinking skills and the ability to communicate effectively (oral and written). The staff & communication skills module is spread throughout the course with much of the work being done as part of other elements of ICSC(M).  

As you are expected to have completed the online electronic Defence Writing (eDW) package before arriving, you will very rapidly be taken through and tested on the fundamental Defence writing conventions early on in the course. You will learn and develop these skills whilst studying other elements of the course syllabus by delivering formal and informal presentations and briefings, submitting various styles of written work, or leading and contributing in syndicate room discussions. The emphasis is on effective communication using the most appropriate method and media to share information and improve understanding.

This module also includes problem solving, working practices and management strategy using syndicate exercises to consolidate and reinforce all these points.  This module focuses on the a, b, c of all good staff work – accuracy, brevity & clarity. 

The course is intensive and challenging, designed to bring you right up-to-date with the latest challenges and issues facing the RN.  

Within the demanding study programme there are opportunities for social and sporting activities which aid syndicate and course bonding and the exchange of ideas. The wide range of courses at the Defence Academy undertaken by UK armed forces officers, other government department officials and those from international military forces, enables informal engagement, thus enhancing the student learning experience as much as possible. You will be exposed to first class academic lecturers and external speakers with expertise from military, professional and academic backgrounds that will share their experience and knowledge and invite discussion and debate. 

The course will prepare you for future leadership and management roles, increasing your knowledge of maritime and joint working within a national and international context. It will develop your critical thinking skills and challenge you to analyse and interpret information from available sources to reach a reasoned and justifiable conclusion, skills highly transferable across all job markets.  

For Royal Naval officers this is a prerequisite for attendance on the Advance Command and Staff Course and subsequent Higher Command and Staff Course.