Directing Staff, Advanced Command and Staff Course
Lieutenant Colonel Yousuf Almuaini is an Omani officer currently serving as directing staff on the Advanced Command and Staff Course (ACSC). He plays a central role in delivering world-class professional military education that prepares officers for senior leadership and complex operations. His work ensures that course members develop the intellectual agility, analytical rigour, and strategic awareness needed to operate effectively at the highest levels of defence and government.
He oversees the postgraduate education and formal assessment of officers on ACSC and related programmes, serving as an educator and mentor.
“My aim is to help officers build confidence in dealing with complexity and to guide them toward clearer, more structured thinking when facing operational and strategic challenges.”
His responsibilities include researching, preparing, and delivering course material for ACSC and other staff colleges. He designs bespoke learning components, provides subject matter expertise aligned to his professional background, and contributes to wider faculty outputs. His role also involves working with government departments, external organisations, and partners from both the military and civilian sectors.
As the line manager for his syndicate, Lt Col Almuaini conducts all assessment and performance reporting duties. He oversees course member induction, coordinates visiting lecturers, and supports broader college activities. He also collaborates closely with colleagues from the King’s College London Defence Studies Department, mentors, and other faculty members.
“Building strong professional relationships is essential—not only for the course but for the wider defence community we all serve.”
In the classroom, he encourages open discussion and constructive challenge. Clear communication, mutual respect, and positive engagement underpin his teaching ethos.
“I believe in creating a learning environment where officers feel able to think boldly, question assumptions, and grow both intellectually and professionally.”
Lt Col Almuaini began his two-year posting at the Defence Academy in Summer 2025.
His role supports defence by helping develop highly capable leaders and by reinforcing the longstanding partnership between the Sultanate of Oman and the United Kingdom. As an international exchange officer, he contributes to strengthening trust, interoperability, and shared understanding between the nations’ armed forces.
“It is a privilege to represent Oman and to contribute directly to the enduring relationship between our countries.”
Within the Defence Academy, he enriches the learning environment by sharing his experience, expertise, and diverse perspectives. He is committed to ensuring all course members feel supported academically, professionally, and personally throughout their time on ACSC. The human element of the role is what he values most.
“Working with officers at such a formative stage of their careers is genuinely rewarding. Seeing their growth—and knowing ACSC has played a part in it—is one of the most satisfying parts of the job.”
Lt Col Almuaini adds:
“Serving on ACSC as an exchange officer allows me to work alongside colleagues from across the UK armed forces and partner nations. The richness of perspectives this brings enhances both the course and the wider Defence Academy community.”