s
 
Training Section
 
Introduction


1.     The College conducts a 47 weeks duration “National Security and Strategic Studies Course” every year. It is divided into Six Studies, spread over two terms with a mid course break of two weeks duration. The programme of work is promulgated through block and weekly training programmes, which are issued periodically.


2.     The focus of the course curriculum of the National Security and Strategic Studies Course is National Security which covers many dimensions of domestic, regional and international issues. The curriculum is organised in six studies, each of about five to six weeks duration. These are as under:-

(a)     Socio Political Study.  This study is focused on Socio-Political aspect of domestic influences on the National Security perceptions.

(b)     Economy, Science and Technology Study. This study addresses the issues of Economic Development,
Environment, Science and Technology aspects related to National Security. With economic diplomacy holding the centre stage, all issues are examined in a multi-national environment.

(c)     International Security Environment.  The study focuses on issues related to International Security Environment as it
is evolving in the 21st Century and its impact on India's international relations.

(d)     Study on Global Issues.  In  the post cold war era, global/ multi-lateral co-operation and partnerships have become
the current direction for evolution of newer international understandings. The study focuses on issues related to these aspects.

(e)     India's Strategic Neighbourhood. This study takes a deeper look into various issues - both domestic as well as
those having impact on India - of countries who form the arc of strategic neighbourhood of India.

(f)     Strategies and Structures for National Security. This study is the culmination of the course and, in effect, considers
in detail the linkages of various dimensions of national security as discussed during the preceding studies.
Methodology of Studies

     3.     The basic guideline for the studies is as under:-

(a)     Integrated Analysis Groups (IAG’s). Course is divided into seven IAGs for each study for the purpose of analysis, discussion and presentations. Each IAG has three sub-groups that give separate presentations. One member from each IAG is nominated as Coordinating Chairperson and three members are nominated as Chairpersons, one from each sub-group.

(b)     Study Setting. Each study, which is of five to six weeks duration, commences with the issue of study setting, IAG assignments and a formal briefing by the SDS-in-charge, of the study. A detailed background for the study, objectives of the study and various issues for consideration are given out during the briefing.

(c)     IAG Papers and Central Discussions. The IAG papers of a study are uploaded on the college intranet. Each IAG thereafter is allotted 20-30 minutes to make a presentation on the issues considered. This is followed by an open house discussion on a few specific issues identified by each IAG for this purpose.

(d)    IAG Publication. After vetting by SDS the papers considered fit for publication are forwarded to an Editorial Board comprising of two SDSs and JDS (R&R) alongwith specific recommendation regarding issue of ‘publication potential’ of paper. After deliberation the papers are put up to Comdt for his approval.


Lectures and Panel Discussions

4.     The College has an impressive list of visiting faculty of experts and eminent persons from all spheres of activities related to national and international security issues.

(a)     Lectures\Panel Discussion. The lectures are of one hour duration followed by a detailed question and answer session. On issues involving many view points, the College invites visiting faculty for a panel discussion by two or more experts. One of the panellists is requested to moderate the discussion which is of approximately 90 minutes duration. Interaction, thereafter, follows the pattern similar to lectures.

(b)     Opportunity Talks. Opportunity talks by visiting distinguished personalities from within the country or from abroad are often organised at the College to expose the course members to their views. Visiting heads of states, senior military officials and ministers from foreign countries usually come in this category of talks.

(c)     Recordings. All Lectures/Panel discussions are recorded and CDs are placed in the library.

(d)     Strategic  Game  Exercise Two Strategic  Game  Exercises  are  held  for a duration of  three days each.  This is generally scheduled during third & fifth study.

Individual Work

     5.  In addition to work done as part of IAGs, each course member is required to carry out following individual work:-

(a)     Thesis Writing. Each course member is required to write a thesis of length not exceeding 12,000 words on any topic related to National Security. The topic is selected after a mutual interaction between the course members and the faculty and finally allotted by the College.

(b)     Country Presentations. Foreign course members are required to make a country presentation on respective country for a duration of 30 minutes. This may include a focus on the history, geography, political set up, industries, economy, defence and relations with India.
 
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