The New Zealand Defence Force

Command and Staff

College Prospectus
Command and Staff College Prospectus
CDF
ForEwOrd

The age-old question asks, are great leaders born that way, or is leadership learned?
Perhaps such a debate misses an important point. Here in the New Zealand Defence
Force we believe in the value of professional military education in developing future
leaders, because we believe that through education, all leaders can become better.
We also believe that leadership training and education is an essential element in support
of our operational effectiveness. Leadership is one of the shared threads common
across the Defence Force, whether our people come from the Navy, Army or Air Force
with their primary specialist knowledge in the sea, land or air domains.
In introducing the New Zealand Defence Force Command and Staff College to you, I
also introduce its intent to develop people with the strategic acumen required to operate
in the contemporary global security environment, and ensuring our future leaders are
better skilled to lead into the future. This Command and Staff College has had a long
and proud history since it was established as a single Service college at Whenuapai
in 1950. Since then, it has become our nation’s premier military educational institution,
preparing today’s emerging military leaders from all three of New Zealand’s military
Services, as well as civilian agencies and international students from militaries drawn
from throughout the Asia and Pacific regions.
The externally delivered tertiary level courses and internal professional military education
supplied through the Command and Staff College are designed to provide future leaders
with the skills necessary to meet our military needs, work with other agencies, Australia
or coalition partners.
The College runs the Advanced Command and Staff Course (Joint), the Intermediate
Command and Staff Course (Joint) and the Joint Warrant Officer Advanced Course.
To date the College has graduated over 3,000 officers and warrant officers, including
more than 100 Officers from the Asia-Pacific region. It plays an active whole-of-
government role with Officers from New Zealand Customs, New Zealand Police and
other security agencies also attending the College’s programmes.
I invite you to consider the College as the professional military educator who will help
develop your people to become sufficiently versatile and skilled in the profession of arms
so they can lead within a joint, multi-agency and multinational environment.

Lieutenant General Rhys Jones

Chief of Defence Force

Command and Staff College Prospectus

 Command and Staff
College vision

The nation’s premier military educational institution, preparing

today’s emerging leaders to meet the defence and security
challenges of tomorrow.

New Zealand Defence Force vision

Joint Operational Excellence

New Zealand Defence Force mission

To secure New Zealand against external threats, to protect our sovereign interests,
including within the Exclusive Economic Zone, and to be able to take action to meet
likely contingencies in our strategic area of interest.

Command and Staff College Prospectus

College
philosophy

The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF)

Command and Staff College (the College) is the The College provides
nation’s premier military educational institution. contemporary,
In line with that role and within the context of the agile and relevant
New Zealand Defence Professional Development professional military
Framework (DPDF), it prepares today’s emerging education courses
leaders for the defence and security challenges of to the future
the future.
commanders, staff
The College provides contemporary, agile and officers and leading
relevant professional military education courses to
warrant officers of
the future commanders, staff officers and leading
warrant officers of the NZDF.
the NZDF.
Civilian personnel from other government agencies
and selected international officers from across the globe add a critical dimension to
these courses as they contribute valuable cultural, defence and security experience while
benefiting from the New Zealand military environment.
The College aims to grow strategic leaders, providing course members with the
theoretical and practical tools necessary for success in command, and to contribute
effectively as staff officers.
The educational philosophy of the College is founded on a learning environment where
course members are encouraged to be innovative, critically engaged, creative and
analytical thinkers, and to develop unique solutions to contemporary challenges.
The College encourages the development of leaders of character, exhibiting trust
and confidence in each other, as well as a high level of self-awareness, intellectual
independence, analytical rigour and strategic acumen.
The enhancement of an individual’s cognitive agility and the development and refinement
of critical thinking skills will provide graduates with an ability to operationalise the theory
and concepts within an environment of complexity and ambiguity.

“Joint Command and Staff Course number 52 provided a unique opportunity to reflect
on my service to date, to share and compare experiences and expose my viewpoints to
critique. The course provided an invaluable insight into how the NZDF contributes to New
Zealand’s interests and the challenges that we will face in continuing to do so. The chance
to work closely with a group of talented and interesting people from a variety of professions
and cultures made the course a thoroughly enjoyable and refreshing experience.”
SQNLDR Pete Cain

Command and Staff College Prospectus

 Learning
philosophy

Key to course members’ learning, at all levels,

is time for reflection. The concepts
of teaching and
Reflection allows an individual to analyse and
explore issues at a deeper level, and assists learning that the
in developing the capacity to effectively and College employs
persuasively communicate an argument, whether are based on
orally or in writing. the application
The concepts of teaching and learning that the and recognised
College employs are based on the application good practice of
and recognised good practice of contemporary
contemporary adult
adult education principles. Specifically there is
recognition of, and support for, the variety of
education principles.
learning styles of the individual and the group;
consultative approaches to teaching and learning
practice; emphasis on research and a concept of individual learning responsibility.
It is acknowledged that taking responsibility for one’s own learning within a supportive
environment aids in the development of an independent thinker. To that end, the courses
encourage self-responsibility for learning as a basis for the development of independent
thought and effective practice.
Notwithstanding the emphasis on individual development, the College is residential and
collegial by nature, and the approach is promoted throughout the “Command and Staff
College experience”. The development of course members’ ability to work together as a
learning group is actively encouraged and supported, as this collegial approach is seen
as pivotal in promoting team spirit and morale in order to encourage shared learning and
development.
This approach underscores the core values of the NZDF and delivers on the NZDF’s
vision of Joint Operational Excellence.

Command and Staff College Prospectus

Professional
military education

Professional Military Education (PME) provides

for the ongoing development and preparation of PME aims at
military officers and senior non-commissioned teaching intellectual
officers as leaders. constructs and
Whilst training provides competence in using principles so that
techniques and technology required for tasks, the best decisions
PME aims at teaching intellectual constructs and are made of how and
principles so that the best decisions are made of
when to utilise those
how and when to utilise those tools available to
the Commander.
tools available to the
commander.
The courses provided by the College prepare
selected individuals to undertake responsibilities
in complex contemporary integrated, joint
environments by promoting excellence in military operations and leadership.
PME at the NZDF Command and Staff College since its inception has aimed to develop
leaders who possess strategic acumen. It does this by providing contemporary, agile
and relevant professional military education courses to the future commanders, staff
officers and leading warrant officers of the NZDF.

“A unique challenge that encouraged course members to flex their academic muscle;
where comfort zones were exceeded and individual thought was encouraged. As a
graduate of the NZDF Joint Command & Staff Course I have been fortunate to experience
the highly professional and committed educational institute, an opportunity not to
be missed!”
LTCDR Julie Fitzell

Command and Staff College Prospectus

 Command and Staff College professional military education model

The NZDF Command and Staff College’s PME model has been designed to align fully
with the overarching Defence Professional Development Framework. The PME model
ensures that the College’s educational philosophy and course content delivery cover
the spectrum of critical elements and competencies that will prepare our future leaders.
A key factor of the model is operating with a holistic approach to PME. Within each layer
(Foundation, Leadership and Professional Expertise) there are interwoven elements that
when combined, make for a powerful learning experience and development.

Foundation
The Foundation elements make sure that the basis of our officer, senior warrant officer
and civilian development is set on a sound footing. Living the core values of the New
Zealand Defence Force is non-negotiable for anyone truly committed to life in New
Zealand’s military. A proud history of ethical and moral behaviour is another component
that defines the way that Kiwis behave and lead on operations. The final foundation
element in the PME approach is the development of learning competencies that ensure
our students can think, write and speak at an advanced level.

Command and Staff College Prospectus

command, Leadership
and management

The central layer of our PME philosophy comprises the defining factors of Command,
Leadership, and Management. The revolving cycles demonstrate how integral these
elements are to each other. The study of command through the lens of leadership will
ensure that our leaders execute their authority in a manner, which achieves the buy-
in, respect and the commitment of followers. The study of leadership is integral to
the College’s PME through leveraging off the Defence Leadership Framework, where
leadership competencies are developed at all rank levels. The study of management and
its competencies are equally essential in a resource-constrained environment which will
remain constant in a New Zealand context.

Professional expertise
Developing strategic acumen has been a major tenet of the Command and Staff
College’s PME philosophy through out its history. Subjects such as Strategic Studies,
International Relations and Operational Studies help develop the professional expertise
of the New Zealand Defence Force’s Officers.

“The College’s PME model has been developed over a number of years and designed
to encompass and deliver on the professional development needs of students.

Central to the model is Operations Studies: a critical focus aimed to deliver on the New
Zealand Defence Force’s vision of Joint Operational Excellence. At its foundation are
the critical behaviour developments of ethics and the core values of the New Zealand
Defence Force - it’s what defines us.”
Commander Nigel Philpott, RNZN Commandant

Command and Staff College Prospectus

 Modules
• Command, Leadership and Management module
• Operational Studies module
• Strategic Studies module
• International Relations module

Courses
• Advanced Command and Staff Course (Joint) - ACSC(J)
• Intermediate Command and Staff Course (Joint) - ICSC(J)
• Joint Warrant Officer Advanced Course - JWOAC

Tours
• Australian Study Tour
• Overseas Study Tour
• New Zealand Study Tour

Command and Staff College Prospectus

Command, Leadership
and Management module

Each course conducted by the College contains a Command, Leadership and

Management (CLM) module, which introduces course members to the key concepts
and considerations that underpin command in the military.
The NZDF defines Command as: The authority that a Commander in a military service
lawfully exercises over subordinates by virtue of their rank or assignment. Command
includes the authority and responsibility for effectively using available resources and for
planning the employment of, organising, directing, coordinating and controlling military
forces for the accomplishment of assigned missions. It also includes responsibility for
health, welfare, morale and discipline of assigned personnel.
The key areas addressed in the module are:
• The authorities and responsibilities that are both legally required and implicit
in command
• Contemporary command, leadership and management theories
• Analyse the principles of leadership and the NZDF Leadership Framework
• Contemporary management and organisational trends in commercial industry
and relate them to the military and NZDF at the strategic level
• NZDF ethos, visions and values
• Ethics within the military profession
• NZDF multicultural environment
The module provides an opportunity to review the academic theories on Command,
Leadership and Management and their inter-relationship.
It will be a balance of the theoretical against the practical in this subject area.

Command and Staff College Prospectus

 Operational Studies
module

Each course conducted by the College contains an Operational Studies module that
introduces course members to the key concepts and considerations that underpin the
conduct of military operations.
Some of the areas addressed include:
• The theories, history and practice of warfare in the maritime, air and land
environments
• Joint, inter-agency and multinational operations planning
• The Laws of Armed Conflict and Rules of Engagement
• Operations other than war such as aid to the civil power, humanitarian assistance
and disaster relief, and peace support operations
• Irregular and asymmetric warfare
• Contemporary and future trends in the conduct of warfare
• The roles, functions and capabilities of the NZDF.
In addition, the College also conducts the Joint Operations Planning Course on an
agency basis for HQ Joint Forces New Zealand.
This course reinforces joint and inter-agency relationships, familiarises personnel with the
capabilities and operating concepts of the three Services of the NZDF and introduces
the Joint Military Appreciation Process.
Advanced Command and Staff Course (Joint) members also attend a Joint Operations
Planning Exercise at the Australian Command and Staff College in Canberra.

Command and Staff College Prospectus

Strategic Studies
module

Each course conducted by the College contains a Strategic Studies module,

which introduces course members to the key concepts and considerations that
underpin strategy.
Strategy is derived from the Greek term for military leader, strategos, and came to
be understood as general-ship.
Strategy is about the application of military power for political ends, and requires a
sound appreciation of the interplay between international relations and the strategic
environment.
The key areas addressed in the module are:
• The theory and development of strategy, including the development of strategic
schools of thought
• The national power model
• New Zealand’s strategic environment
• New Zealand’s strategic culture
• New Zealand defence policy
• The relationship between defence policy and foreign policy
• The principles of sea, land and air power
• Future warfare.
This module provides course members with an opportunity to review classical academic
theories on strategy and how those theories have further developed in the post-Cold
War period.
It provides students with a range of lenses through which to analyse global issues as
they impact upon New Zealand and the region, and challenges course members to
consider issues from new perspectives.

Command and Staff College Prospectus

 International Relations
module

Each course conducted by the College contains an International Relations module,

which introduces course members to the key concepts and themes of past and present
international relations.
The key areas addressed in the module are:
• The theories of international relations and the origins of those theories
• Causes of the Cold War and the factors that contributed to strained East-West
relations during that period
• The post-Cold War world and the rise of non-state actors
• Non-military threats to security and their relevance to the NZDF
• International Relations in the Asia-Pacific region
• The rationale for determining the foreign policy of nations in the Asia-Pacific region
• Globalisation in the international economy.
The module provides an opportunity for students on the Advanced Command and Staff
Course (Joint) and the Joint Warrant Officer Advance Course to consider the academic
theories and the practical components of international relations during the Overseas
Study Tour to Asia-Pacific countries.

“Attending NZDF Joint Command & Staff Course was like an academic coming of
age – it took my thinking to a whole new level and re-ignited my passion for learning.

It has provided me with the critical thinking and analysis skills, which I use in my
current job for solving complex ‘real-world’ problems. The collegiate approach to
learning, combined with a wealth of interesting topics makes for a stimulating and
exciting experience.”
MAJ Alex Bromham

Command and Staff College Prospectus

Advanced Command and Staff
course (Joint)

The aim of the Advanced Command and Staff Course (Joint) is “... to provide an
advanced Service education to selected officers so that they may prepare themselves
for high grade command and staff appointments.”
The target population consists of selected officers of major equivalent or higher rank
from within the NZDF and the Asia-Pacific region, and selected individuals from other
government agencies who have demonstrated their potential for promotion.
The 37-week residential course covers an intense post- graduate level syllabus and
provides several associated study visits.
Courses follow a modular approach that incorporates the following:
• Operational studies
• Strategic studies
• International Relations
• Command, Leadership and Management studies.
Course members will take four postgraduate level papers through Massey University:
• International Security (149.720)
• New Zealand’s Strategic Environment (149.701)
• International Relations (200.761)
• Applied Security Planning Exercise (149.821).
These four papers make up a Postgraduate Diploma in International Security qualification.
Successful course members may receive their diploma on completion of the Course,
or they can choose to credit the four papers towards a Master of International Security
degree also offered by Massey University. This is undertaken as extramural study with
one additional paper either before or after the Course.
Alternatively, course members may credit the papers towards another qualification of
their own choice.
Course members who successfully complete the Advanced Command and Staff Course
(Joint) will be awarded the post-nominals “psc(j)”.

Command and Staff College Prospectus

 Intermediate Command and Staff
course (Joint)

The Intermediate Command and Staff Course (Joint) is an intense, eight-week residential
course which aims to prepare selected Officers for Major (E) responsibilities.
The target population includes NZDF Officers of Captain (E) rank together with selected
officers of equivalent rank from a foreign military service and personnel from public
service at grade 450.005.
The eight-week residential course covers an intense undergraduate syllabus at level six
on the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) framework and includes the week
long Introduction to Joint Interagency and Multinational Operations Course. It also gives,
in parallel, access to the senior leadership of the NZDF and other organisations.
Based on adult learning methodologies, the Intermediate Command and Staff Course
(Joint) aims to develop a high standard of written and oral communication skills through
essays, syndicate discussions and oral presentations.

Command and Staff College Prospectus

The syllabus includes:
• Study on the nature of war
• An understanding of Single Service roles and tasks
• An introduction to joint interagency and multinational operations
• The development of strategic concepts
• An introduction to world politics
• An overview of principles of Command, Leadership and Management,
including practical applications.
This course includes one Massey University paper: World Politics (200.261).
Course members who successfully complete the Intermediate Command and Staff
Course (Joint) will be awarded a Certificate of Completion.

Command and Staff College Prospectus

 Joint Warrant Officer
Advanced course

The Joint Warrant Officers Advanced Course is a short, high impact course based on
building a solid foundation for selected Warrant Officers of the NZDF. Additionally, up to
four International Warrant Officers may be present on any one course.
The course is highly informative and involves presentations from senior NZDF personnel
and numerous visiting lecturers from universities and government agencies.
Topics covered include:
• International Relations
• Politics (domestic and global),
• The Strategic environment as it relates to New Zealand and the NZDF.
Visits are conducted to Wellington, visiting Parliament, Defence House and numerous
other departments.
A New Zealand Study Tour visiting NZDF bases and camps is conducted, and through
discussions, issues and initiatives are identified. Additionally, other Services’ capabilities
are seen and reinforced.
Joint Warrant Officers Advanced Course members from the NZDF who can be released
from duty also attend the Overseas Study Tour with the Advanced Command and Staff
Course (Joint).
This enables a continued building of understanding and participation of international and
diplomatic relations, as well as fostering a closer working relationship with commissioned
officers of all three Services.
Networking opportunities between course members has been highlighted as one of the
most rewarding aspects of this course.

Command and Staff College Prospectus

Command and Staff College Prospectus
 Australian study
tour

The Australian Study Tour is a two-week Joint Operational Planning Exercise conducted
in conjunction with the Australian Command and Staff College in Canberra.
It builds on the strong relationship between Australia and New Zealand and helps
cement a culture of working together. The course takes the opportunity to receive
strategic lectures from Australian academics and senior ADF leaders.
In addition, an Australian syndicate travels to New Zealand to participate in an aspect
of the Advanced Command and Staff Course (Joint) curriculum.
This relationship with our closest strategic partner is critical for officers to develop the
operational planning skills and build international networks to meet the defence and
security challenges of tomorrow.

Command and Staff College Prospectus

Overseas study
tour

The Overseas Study Tour is a 10-12 day tour typically conducted to three countries,
determined in conjunction with the NZDF Strategic Commitments and Intelligence
Branch as priorities for defence diplomacy.
The Overseas Study Tour is included and assessed in the Advanced Command and
Staff Course (Joint) curriculum under the International Relations module, although
there is considerable overlap with other modules, especially the Strategic Studies
and Operations module.
The Overseas Study Tour exposes and broadens course members’ understanding of
regional issues.
Destinations are largely in the Asia-Pacific region, which is reflective of New Zealand’s
strengthening interests in the region.
In recent years, the College has visited India, China, Vietnam, Hawaii, New Caledonia,
Thailand, Malaysia and Papua New Guinea.

Command and Staff College Prospectus

 International
students

Each course conducted by the College includes international students from various
countries. Inclusion of these military professionals is vital for all courses as their
presence, background and experience greatly contribute to the holistic learning of
all students.
The academic, operational, strategic, cultural and national perspectives of these
students can help promote questions and strengthen understanding.
Exposure to a wide range of nationalities and military organisations helps students to
engage on broader issues. Collaborative learning, peer support and information sharing
are deliberate components of the College’s courses where local and international
students can learn from each other.
The College prides itself on having one of the highest ratios of any staff college globally
for international students. The opportunity for engagement of and support to international
students within the NZDF’s defence diplomacy approach has benefits for all.
Countries who have attended the Command and Staff College include:
• Australia • Brunei • China
• Fiji • Indonesia • Malaysia
• Papua New Guinea • Philippines • Saudi Arabia
• Singapore • South Korea • Thailand
• Timor Leste • Tonga • UAE
• United States • Vietnam

Other Government agencies

The College also prides itself on having a whole-of-government approach with
professional development of senior public servants. Recent attendees are:
• NZ Customs Service
• NZ Police
• Ministry of Primary Industries
• Government Communications and Security Bureau
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Command and Staff College Prospectus

Research
Library

The Research Library is a vital part of the College’s infrastructure.

As an institution of higher learning, the College provides a high quality research resource
to support course members during their studies, as well as for staff and alumni.
The holdings of the Research Library include a wide-ranging selection of books carefully
chosen for their relevance, and also an excellent assortment of journals, pamphlets and
reference materials.
In addition, the Research Library provides group and individual study facilities.
Staff are on hand to provide support for all enquires that arise, which can range from
assistance with finding the right materials for an assignment, to help with essay writing,
referencing and presentation.

College Support
The College’s Coordination Office can provide assistance with day-to-day admin
tasks, including the course schedule, visiting lecturers, functions, travel claims and
accommodation requirements. Course members are welcome to visit the Coordination
Office at any time during normal office hours.

Command and Staff College Prospectus

 Alumni
Association

Professional associations with other Staff Colleges around the world have demonstrated
that an Alumni Association is of great benefit to everyone involved.
One of the most valuable benefits that people walk away with from a Staff Course
experience is the value of the friendships, connections and networks that they make.
It provides them with a unique opportunity to develop relationships that will last a lifetime.
The main aims of the NZDF Command and Staff College Alumni Association are to:
• Provide an avenue to share research
• Assist graduates of the College in keeping connected
• Provide relevant professional military articles and information that will be of
interest to graduates
• Provide a useful tool for communicating personal news such as promotion,
postings and achievements of graduates
• Assist in facilitating course reunions and Alumni conferences.
The Alumni Association is fortunate to have General Dato’ Sri Suleiman Mahmud (Rtd)
as its International Patron and Air Vice-Marshal Peter Stockwell, AFC, as its New Zealand
Patron.
For more information about the Alumni Association, please contact:
Alumni Secretary
CSC Alumni Association
NZDF Command and Staff College
Trentham Military Camp
Private Bag 905
Upper Hutt 5140
NEW ZEALAND
Phone: +64 4 527 1008
Fax: +64 4 527 1008
Email: csc.alumni@nzdf.mil.nz

Command and Staff College Prospectus

Relationships with external
academic institutions

Since 1997, the NZDF Command and Staff College has had a formal relationship with
Massey University as an educational partner.
Massey University staff regularly teach at the College, and the College also seconds
both military and civilian staff to the Centre for Defence and Security Studies to teach
specialist topics at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Notwithstanding this close relationship, the College maintains relationships with many
other universities across New Zealand to draw further on specialist expertise, including
guest lecturers from the universities of Auckland, Victoria, Canterbury and Otago, and
the Auckland University of Technology.
In recognition of their ongoing contribution, the Command and Staff College has
appointed a number of Honorary Professors and Senior Fellows. Currently these are:
• Associate Professor Steve Hoadley from the University of Auckland
• Professor Robert Ayson from Victoria University of Wellington
• Professor Robert Patman from the University of Otago
• Professor Rouben Azizian from the Asia Pacific College of Security Studies
in Hawaii
• Doctor Michael Evans from the Australian Deference College
• Brigadier (Retired) Roger Mortlock
The College is also indebted to the late Dr Vincent Orange, formerly an Associate
Professor at the University of Canterbury, for his contribution to the academic success
of the College.
The Command and Staff College also maintains links with a range of Staff Colleges
overseas, particularly the Australian Command and Staff College, the Singapore
Command and Staff College, and the Joint Command and Staff College in the
United Kingdom.
Each year a senior member of our staff attends the Heads of Colleges meeting, to
ensure the College’s curriculum remains relevant to the contemporary environment.

Command and Staff College Prospectus

Command and Staff College Prospectus
Command and Staff College Prospectus