The aim of the course is to prepare selected career officers for command and staff appointments in single Service, joint and integrated environments. The course will develop military leaders who seek knowledge, value intellectual capital and demonstrate timely and appropriate decision making; productive participation in, and leadership of, multi-disciplinary teams; use of critical reflection to identify opportunities for improvement; flexibility, imagination, adaptability, common sense and innovation; successful problem solving; and effective work in an environment of complexity and uncertainty. The course has three components. The General Studies Component includes: Strategic Studies, Command and Leadership, Management of the ADO and Communication, Staff Skills and Media modules. Its aim is to prepare officers for the single Service and joint operations component of the course and for wider Defence employment. The Single Service Component is to prepare officers for future employment in their Service and in preparation for the Joint Operations components of the course. The Joint Operations Component is to prepare officers to plan and execute joint operations and campaigns.
DSSC:
The aim of the course is to provide officers of the Australian Defence Force, the Australian Public Service and overseas participants with the knowledge and skills required by senior leaders and managers. These include the policy skills needed to understand and operate effectively in the complex securityenvironment in the modern world; appropriate leadership and decision-making skills; and a deep understanding of global, regional and national issues of defence and strategic importance. Participants in the ADC academic program undertake five thematic study blocks. The academic program is at post graduate level and is delivered by a combination of eminent academics and practitioners from Australia and overseas. Successful completion of the Course entitles participants to the fully accredited ADC Graduate Diploma of Strategic Studies. Additionally, there is an opportunity for participants to study fora Master of Arts (Strategic Studies) offered by Deakin University. However, entry into the Masters is notguaranteed and is subject to strict entry criteria.