Senior Service College: A Pillar of Civilian Senior Leader Development

Abstract

The development of a dynamic civilian senior leadership corps within the Department of Defense (DOD) is a critical yet unrealized item on the strategic agenda. The involvement of this sector of the nations largest federal employer in supporting a constantly changing, increasingly intensive warfighting mission is vital to the achievement of the Departments unique goals within the homeland defense apparatus. The attendance of DOD civilians at senior service colleges (SSCs) serves as a formidable and necessary link between two diverse cultures that must unite to perform a challenging national security mandate. Unless it concentrates its efforts with a holistic, results-oriented leader development strategy that exposes more civilians to this experience, DOD will continue to minimize a valuable resource and will not fully manifest its potential to develop a well-rounded cadre of senior leaders who can thrive within the Total Force and contribute to fulfilling joint, enterprise, interagency and national security objectives. DOD supports the National Security Strategy (NSS) of the United States, which identifies the security of the United States, its citizens, and U.S. allies and partners as one of Americas four enduring national interests. Inherent in achieving this interest, the NSS alludes to the necessity of applying the whole-of-government approach, which incorporates comprehensive use of the diplomatic, informational, military, and economic instruments of power. These national instruments of power are interdependent and their judicious, strategic application underpins a well-executed national security plan. The NSS asserts, Collaboration across the government and with our partners at the state, local, and tribal levels of government, in industry and abroad must guide our actions.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 16, 2011
Accession Number
AD1018735

Entities

People

  • J. P. Ray

Organizations

  • Air War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Business Administration
  • Civilian Personnel
  • Department Of Defense
  • Doctrine
  • Education
  • Employment
  • Governments
  • Human Resources
  • Management Personnel
  • Marine Corps
  • Military Education
  • National Security
  • Personnel Management
  • Students
  • United States
  • War Colleges

Readers

  • Defense Technology Research and Development.
  • Joint Military Operations and Doctrine.
  • Systems Analysis and Design