Program Overview
The CGSC Art of War Scholars (AoWS) program offers a group of competitively selected students attending resident CGSOC the opportunity to participate in a unique educational experience that combines tactical exercises, field studies, thesis research, and challenging capstone events with advanced graduate seminar discussions to develop field grade officers who can lead in the operational force. The program develops leaders who can execute critical and creative thinking, frame and negotiate complex problems, enable higher commander decision-making, and drive staff process across the battalion, brigade, division and corps levels. Students apply the multi-disciplinary study of history, theory, doctrine, leadership, and contemporary warfare to iterative practical applications with cutting-edge technologies in a variety of tactical exercises.
Program Outcomes
Students enrolled in the CGSC Art of War Scholars Program achieve all required CGSOC learning objectives while graduating with all MEL4 and JPME1 qualifications to serve as field grade officers in their assigned services. They also depart the program with demonstrated research and writing ability that prepares them to attend AMSP, SAASS, SAW, ASP3, Senior Service College, and competitive R1 doctoral programs. With high promotion and command select rates amongst previous graduates, the program provides premier development for future tactical, operational, and strategic leaders. Given this record of success, the Art of War Scholars Program remains a valuable opportunity for students to achieve educational excellence at America’s School for War.
Read an executive summary of the program here.
REQUIREMENTS
- Open to U.S. and International Students in the CGSOC Resident Course
- Must demonstrate a strong academic performance in CGSOC Common Core
- Must be enrolled in the CGSC MMAS Program
- Requires strong critical thinking and written communication skills
- Requires recommendations from SGAs and MMAS committee chair
- Must apply and interview with a faculty panel and be selected for the program
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
