Advanced Command and Staff Course (Reserves)

The Advanced Command and Staff Course (Reserves) (ACSC(R) is a 22-week blended-learning course delivered by the Joint Services Command and Staff College (JSCSC) for selected Reserve officers. Combining residential study at the Defence Academy, Shrivenham, with guided online learning, the course prepares you for higher command and staff responsibilities by developing leadership, critical thinking, analytical ability and professional communication.

Delivered at postgraduate level within a joint operational context, the curriculum explores command, leadership and ethics, security and strategy, operational art, defence capability, and contemporary conflict. Lectures, syndicate discussions, practical exercises and independent research challenge you to broaden your professional perspective and apply sound judgement to complex Defence problems.

The course brings together UK Reserve officers, international officers from allied and partner nations, Ministry of Defence Civil Servants and, where capacity permits, selected Unified Career Model (UCM) officers. This diverse cohort enriches professional learning, strengthens international Reserve relationships and builds enduring professional networks that support future coalition operations and defence cooperation.

Application process: Full details of course dates, eligibility criteria and application procedures for UK students are published annually in the ACSC(R) Calling Notice DIN (2026DIN07-055) available via Modnet only. UK personnel are nominated through their single-Service career management authorities; individual applications direct to the Defence Academy are not accepted. International expressions of interest should be submitted through the relevant UK Defence Attaché or UK Defence Section.

The course is delivered through the Defence Learning Environment (DLE) and Microsoft Teams. Successful applicants will receive joining instructions and access to course materials before the Foundation Phase.

What you will learn

You will develop your understanding of:

•    Command, Leadership and Ethics – developing self-awareness, leadership, communication, critical and creative thinking, and the ability to lead and develop others effectively.
•    Research, Analysis and Engagement Skills – conducting research, evaluating evidence, constructing robust arguments and contributing confidently to professional debate.
•    Security and Strategy – understanding the contemporary security environment and the role of military power in supporting national and alliance objectives.
•    Operations – exploring multi-domain, multi-agency and multinational operations, including coalition warfighting, competition and contemporary operational challenges.
•    Capability and Technology – examining how military capability is developed, sustained and employed in response to strategic requirements and resource constraints.

Throughout the course, students are encouraged to demonstrate the core ACSC(R) attributes of humility, empathy and creativity, broadening their professional perspective through engagement with peers from across Defence and partner nations.

How this course will help your career

ACSC(R) prepares you for increasingly complex command and staff appointments by broadening strategic understanding, strengthening professional judgement and enhancing your ability to operate effectively in joint, interagency and multinational environments.

Successful completion demonstrates the intellectual capability and professional commitment expected of officers selected for higher responsibility. End of Course Reports routinely inform promotion, command and appointment boards.

In addition to its Professional Military Education benefits, ACSC(R) is recognised towards a Level 7 Extended Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership, as part of an MBA pathway, enabling you to gain academic recognition for your learning and development

Who can attend this course

• Military
• MOD civil servants

ACSC(R) is designed for selected UK Reserve officers and international officers from allied and partner nations preparing for senior command and staff appointments. The course is normally attended by officers at OF4 rank, or OF3 officers identified as having the potential for promotion and future higher responsibility.

UCM places are available.

Before you attend

You must:

•    be available to complete all elements of the course, including the online learning phases and both residential periods at the Defence Academy, Shrivenham.
•    have sufficient Reserve Service Days (or equivalent national arrangements) and support from their chain of command to participate fully.
•    be able to undertake guided reading, independent research, online discussion and written assignments throughout the online phases. Although designed to provide flexibility for Reservists through predominantly asynchronous learning, these elements are an essential part of the course and should be given equal priority to residential attendance.
•    be prepared to engage actively in discussion, debate, collaborative learning and critical reflection. The course places particular emphasis on intellectual curiosity, professional engagement and the development of the ACSC(R) attributes of humility, empathy and creativity.
•    be medically fit to undertake office-based study and residential attendance in the United Kingdom.
•    demonstrate the professional experience, leadership potential and intellectual maturity required to benefit from postgraduate-level study.

For international officers:

•    Nomination is normally sought through the relevant national military authorities and UK Defence Attaché. While attendance is typically aimed at officers of OF3-OF4 equivalence, JSCSC recognises that Reserve career structures differ across nations. Candidates whose leadership responsibilities and professional experience align with the intent of the course may therefore be considered even where formal rank structures differ from those used within the UK Armed Forces.

•    Due to the post-graduate syllabus and the intensity of the course, a strong grasp of English is required for international students; International students should have either spoken English as their first language, completed a full secondary education programme in English, or it is the primary language used by their Defence organisation. NATO STANAG 6001 Level 3333 or an IELTS 7 (Academic) score is required. 

How the course will be taught

• Blended
• e-Learning (DLE)
• Face-to-face
• Online (Virtual)

How you will be assessed

ACSC(R) is a fully assessed Professional Military Education course. Assessments evaluate your intellectual development, professional judgement and readiness for higher command and staff responsibilities.

You are assessed through written assignments, briefing activities, practical exercises and your contribution throughout both the online and residential phases. Assessment focuses on critical thinking, analytical ability, communication skills and the application of professional knowledge to complex Defence challenges. Developmental feedback is provided throughout the course to support continuous improvement and reflection.

You are also evaluated on your leadership, teamwork, professional conduct and contribution to collaborative learning activities. Successful students receive an End of Course Report reflecting their overall performance and development.