An Cosantóir

www.military.ie the defence forces magazine | 19 so much course time is dedicated to this subject is a reflection of its importance in developing critical thinking and analysis skills among the students. This development of critical think- ing is crucial to the professional development of the army officer and essential in decision making and problem solving. Critical thinking is not just developed via the MDMP and TEWTs but also through the growing partnership with Maynooth University. The students of the JCSC spend one day per week for the first half of the course studying in Maynooth under the tutelage of Dr Ian Speller and his staff at the Centre of Military History and Strategic Studies. Dr Speller lectures on a variety of topics from grand strategy, through joint operations, to contemporary security, and students are encouraged to discuss these topics in an open forum, challenging what they have studied and critically analysing the subject matter. The study of military history allows army officers to learn from the lessons of the past and explore the decision-making processes com- manders have faced under extreme pressure in difficult circumstances. The JCSC undergo a block of instruction in military history and this culminates with campaign-analysis syndicate presentations. In order to conduct in-depth research, the JCSC visits famous World War II battlefields. This year's course will travel to Normandy for one week where students will be afforded the opportunity to delve further into their assigned topics. With the advent of accreditation in the Defence Forces and the aca- demic evolution of the JCSC, students who graduate from the course at the Military College now also graduate from Maynooth University with a level-8 higher diploma in Leadership, Defence and Contempo- rary Security. The graduation ceremony of the 25th JCSC at Maynooth and the Mili- tary College on 29th October 2014 marked the first occasion on which JCSC graduates received the higher diploma, and the current course is set to continue this new departure. Accrediting the JCSC recognises the hard work and effort put in by the students and gives them a tangible reward at the end of the course. Lt Col Liam Condon (Chief Instructor, Inf Sch) said: "The JCSC provides an essential set of skills which add great value to the inputs of its gradu- ates, both at home and in the overseas environment. I would encourage officers to undertake this valuable professional development course as early as possible". CaPT ToM holMeS, uNDof "I am currently serving as a JOC duty officer in UNDOF Force HQ where my primary function is to monitor and report on all incidents and activity in the AO. I was a student on the 25th JCSC and I feel that the course benefited me greatly, especially in my current role. This was highlighted during the turbulent period in UNDOF's temporary reloca- tion to the A-side, where the changing situation required the JOC duty officer to act as POC for all positions and OPs. I had to quickly collate and as- similate information and provide detailed analysis and guidance for the Force Commander. The JCSC assisted me greatly in gaining a better understand- ing of what important facts should be conveyed in a briefing and the confidence to brief general staff in a multinational environment." CaPT Dave SlaTTeRy, uNDof "The JCSC provides the necessary tools to allow detailed planning to be conducted at all levels and is greatly advantageous in smaller units such as UN- DOF. In the case of the Mech Coy 2i/c appointment, it has allowed the company to conduct a detailed estimate process for both meaning- ful training and potential operations." CaPT viNNy MCgRaTh, STuDeNT 26Th JCSC "At present, I am a student on the 26th JCSC. The course covers a wide range of topics both military and academic. There is a good balance of time spent in the Infantry School and time spent in Maynooth University, which provides an interesting approach for a military course. Overall there is a positive attitude towards all aspects of the course from both students and instructors." Vox Pops Capt Stephen MacEoin receiving his level-8 higher diploma in Leadership, Defence and Contemporary Security 25th JCSC at their graduate with Lt Col Sean Murphy and Dr Ian Speller (NUI Maynooth).

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