BACKGROUND
CGSC’s Art of War Scholars (AoWS) program offers a small number of competitively selected officers an opportunity to participate in intensive warfighting-focused graduate level seminars and in-depth personal research by developing an understanding of strategy and operational art through the lens of modern military history.
PURPOSE
The purpose of the program is to produce officers with highly refined critical thinking and communication skills and an advanced understanding of the art of warfighting. These abilities will be further honed by reading, researching, thinking, questioning, debating and writing about complex issues across the full spectrum of modern warfare, from the lessons of the Russo-Japanese war through operations in the joint contemporary environment, while beginning to understand the 21st century evolution of the art of war. A significant distinguishing characteristic of the program is the production of a scholarly master’s thesis that contributes to the body of professional knowledge.
Read an executive summary of the program here.
REQUIREMENTS
- Open to US Students enrolled in Resident CGSC Only
- Must maintain strong academic performance in Core / Pass X100
- Must enroll in A211 – Research Methodology elective
- Must enroll in A211 – Research Methodology elective
- Thinking, Writing, and Research Skills
- SGA Recommendation and recommendations from MMAS committee members
KEY FEATURES
- Seminar has 12 Students in SG 20A
- Balance of Service, Branch, Experience
- Seminar learning – Readings, Discussion, Lecture
- Distinguished SMEs/ Guest Lectures
- Conduct Field Visits – Travel
- Dedicated Writing Weeks
- Capstone Boards
- Staff Ride to the Meuse-Argonne, Battle of the Bulge
HOW TO BECOME AN AOW SCHOLAR
- Register for A211 Research Methodology elective
- Make an appointment with Dr. Broaddus (matthew.w.broaddus.civ@army.mil)
- Let your SGA know you plan to apply for AOW Scholars
- Strive for excellence in Core lessons - GPA, writing, etc.
- September: Receive Application Packet
- O/A October: Submit Application Packet
- O/A November: Interviews - not all applicants are invited to an interview.
- Following successful completion of X100: Deputy Commandant approves the final selections.
- Once selected, scholars are transferred to Staff Group 20A.
TOPICS OF DISCUSSION DURING THE AOW PROGRAM
- History of War
- Ways of War (American, German, French, Russian, Chinese, British, Japanese)
- Leadership for Military Practitioners
- Staff Rides Hosted by the Army University Press
- Washington DC Visit
- Airpower/Maritime Theory
- Campaign Studies
- Counterinsurgency Operations
Contact
Matthew W. Broaddus, Ed.D
Ike Skelton Distinguished Chair for the Art of War
Lewis & Clark Building, RM 4515
Cell: 913-704-9923
Office: 913-684-4709