OVERVIEW On 26 May 1982, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) directed the National Defense University (NDU) to establish a professional military education program for general and flag officer selectees. Two pilot programs were offered in 1983, and in February 1984, JCS approved a permanent annual CAPSTONE course of eight weeks in duration. In July 1986, the JCS reduced the course length to six weeks and increased the frequency to two courses per year. Beginning in 1987, four CAPSTONE courses a year were conducted to satisfy the statutory requirement of the DOD Reorganization Act of 1986--that all newly selected general/flag officers attend the CAPSTONE course.
CAPSTONE participants are referred to as "Fellows" because of the unique nature of the course and the special expertise and qualifications of those officers attending. The course differs from senior service schools in three major ways, other than the obvious rank of its participants, class size and course duration. First, the course focuses on the employment of U.S. forces in joint and combined operations to support national policy objectives. Second, it provides personal interaction with Commanders in Chief (CINCs) and other senior U.S. commanders. Third, retired four-star general and flag officers are attached to each class as Senior
Fellows to provide advice and guidance.Education at the general/flag officer level is inherently joint and unified in nature. Its focus is on the highest levels of strategy, integrating the elements of national power to achieve national security objectives. In particular, the CAPSTONE course reinforces new general/flag officer comprehension of joint matters and national security strategy needed for the remainder of an officer's career.
The mission of this general/flag officer course is for participants to review how the elements of national power are integrated to achieve national security objectives.
The overall objectives of general/flag officer education are listed below.
a. Examine key aspects of unified, joint, and multinational operations.
b. Examine key aspects of the national security environment, the intelligence support structure, joint and Service doctrines and capabilities, integration of battlespace systems, joint and combined operational concepts, and planning processes.
c. Examine force acquisition issues, current defense programs, industrial base issues
and concepts, and their implications in the conduct of unified, joint, and multinational
operations.d. Integrate and synchronize national military strategy with national security strategy and policy.
e. Examine the relationship between Congress and the military, principal
military-related congressional committees, and legislative liaison and testimony
procedures.f. Understand current force protection/Risk Management issues.
The CAPSTONE course is presented in four general ways:
- Classroom seminars address the understanding of the U.S. defense community, key issues affecting national security and current problems facing today's senior leaders. These are provided through classroom presentations by current and former senior leaders, former CINCs, civilian leaders, military critics, student-led discussions, and a crisis decision exercise.
- Local area studies are conducted to achieve an understanding
of principal national security agencies in the Washington area. Fellows
visit the National Security Council, Department of State, Central Intelligence
Agency, all Service headquarters (including the U.S. Coast Guard) and the
Joint Staff.
- CONUS field studies are conducted to ensure Fellows understand
the Unified Commands headquartered in the United States and the combat
capabilities of the military services. Discussions with the CINCs and hands-on
demonstrations of major warfighting systems are included in this portion
of the course.
- Overseas field studies offer the opportunity to explore theater/regional security concerns, U.S. and allied/friendly nation capabilities and theater training and preparation for war. The class is divided into three groups for travel: Europe, the Pacific and the Western Hemisphere. Discussions with CINCs, ambassadors and other senior foreign military leaders on joint planning and operations, warfighting capabilities, and key issues facing the commands and regions highlight this phase of the course.
The course requires intensive personal involvement on the part of each CAPSTONE Fellow through participation in or leadership of seminars, field trips, discussions, and the current issues exercise. There are many opportunities for each Fellow to share expertise and experiences with other participants. The CAPSTONE course does not include formal writing or research assignments. Readings are modest in scope and are offered to illuminate the issues under discussion. Fellows do present a group overview of their overseas field studies.
Senior Fellows are retired four-star general and flag officers who participate in the CAPSTONE program and provide a unique dimension to the course. Their breadth of experience, gained in both peace and war and in a variety of military and politically sensitive positions, qualifies them to serve as role models, to interpret events and issues, and to provide insights not readily available from other sources. Senior Fellows are a valuable teaching resource and occasionally lecture. Their principal contribution to the course, however, lies in their day-to-day contact with CAPSTONE participants.
Four CAPSTONE courses are scheduled during 1998. The dates are:
99-1
8 Feb - 18 Mar
99-2
19 Apr - 27 May
99-3
19 Jul - 26 Aug
99-4
27 Sep - 4 Nov
POLICIES Presentations by guest speakers, seminar leaders and panelists, including renowned public officials and scholars, constitute an important part of the curricula of the National Defense University. To allow the guests (as well as faculty and other University officials) the latitude to speak candidly, the University offers its assurance that their presentations will be held in strict confidence. This assurance derives from a policy of nonattribution which is morally binding on all who attend. Without the expressed permission of the speaker, nothing he or she says will be attributed to him or her directly or indirectly in the presence of anyone who was not authorized to attend the presentation. This policy is not to inhibit students and faculty within the academic environment from discussing the opinions and views expressed by speakers. However, the nonattribution policy precludes citing the views and opinions of one guest (even if he is not identified by name) when questioning subsequent speakers. It also precludes individuals from taping lectures.
The DOD Reorganization Act of 1986 requires that all active duty general and flag officers attend CAPSTONE. The Secretary of Defense may waive attendance for:
a. An officer whose immediately previous assignment was a joint duty assignment
b. When necessary for the good of the Service
c. An officer whose selection for promotion is based primarily upon scientific and technical qualifications for which joint requirements do not exist
d. Medical, dental, veterinary, medical service, and biomedical science officers, nurses and chaplains
Waivers must be requested by the Service headquarters to the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy. Requests for short individual absences during the course are subject to approval by the President, National Defense University.
All Fellows and Senior Fellows participating in CAPSTONE must have appropriate U.S., NATO, and SCI security clearances. Although much of the course's written material and discussion will be of an unclassified nature, there will be frequent occasions when discussion will involve sensitive areas. All are reminded of their responsibility to properly safeguard classified material and not to discuss classified information, particularly SCI, in other than appropriately cleared facilities. Classified notes and readings will be kept in storage facilities in the CAPSTONE area. (See Section C, paragraph 2 for further information on security clearances.)
All entrances to university buildings are equipped with electronic security devices and are monitored by closed circuit television. Each CAPSTONE Fellow will be issued a security badge/electronic entry card during in-processing on day one of the course.
As stipulated in DOD Instruction 6015.8, 18 August 1977, smoking will not be allowed in classroom sessions in Washington nor during field visits.
ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION In-processing for CAPSTONE Fellows begins at 0700 hours in the CAPSTONE classroom, Eisenhower Hall (Building 59), Room 280, Fort McNair, Washington, DC on day one of the course. Please bring the following items with you on the first day:
Copy of TDY orders (needed for in-processing) Official Passport Personal Check in the amount of $650.00, payable to "CAPSTONE" (needed for in-processing)
2. Security Clearance Requirements
Please ensure that you pass the NDU Form 12 (Enclosure to your welcome letter) to your local security office. Instructions are included on proper completion and disposition of the form. All Fellows must possess a Top Secret clearance and be eligible for SCI access. Certification of SCI clearances must be transmitted by your security office. Additional information regarding security clearances required can be obtained through our security office at (202) 685-3765.
All military personnel who attend CAPSTONE must have a valid official (burgundy) passport that does not expire until at least six months after completion of the course. Likewise, civilians attending CAPSTONE must have a valid passport that does not expire until six months after completion of the course. If you do not have a valid official passport, or it does not meet the expiration date requirements mentioned above, you must take action immediately to either obtain one or renew your existing passport. For those Fellows who must apply for official passports, you must do so at your current locaton. Please ensure that you follow the instructions provided in your welcome letter. Also, please fax a copy of your passport application to CAPSTONE at: (202) 685-4256 or DSN 325-4256.
Passports will be collected during during the first day after visa applications are filled out.
Transportation will be provided from Ft. McNair for local travel within Washington, D.C. and extended travel throughout the CONUS and overseas. Travel within the Washington, D.C. area (5 days) is via military bus. Travel in CONUS (10 days) and overseas (15 days) via military air.
The University does not provide transportation to and from billeting to Fort McNair. It is recommended that those out-of-town Fellows who do not drive their privately owned vehicles to Washington include rental car authorization on their TDY orders from home station.
Fellows not stationed in the Washington, D.C. area must make individual travel arrangements from their duty location to Washington and return, and must also make individual rental car arrangements. (See paragraph 7 in this section for further information on rental cars.)
At in-processing, you will be asked to write a check for $650.00, payable to "CAPSTONE." These funds will cover the cost of refreshments, group meals and other miscellaneous expenses. The actual cost for these items varies from class to class, and from location to location on the overseas field studies portion of the course. Fellows whose individual expenses are less than $650.00 will receive a refund at the end of the course. Conversely, those whose expenses exceed $650.00 will be asked to remit additional payment. A full accounting of expenses will be provided to each Fellow at the end of the course.
6. Billeting (non-Washington, D.C. area residents only)
CAPSTONE Fellows are normally billeted at the Doubletree Guest Suites, 100 South Reynolds Street, Alexandria, Virginia (Reservations: Ms. Teresa Harris @ (703) 370-9600). Make your reservations directly with the Doubletree. NDU will pay the lodging costs for CAPSTONE Fellows who stay at the Doubletree. Also, spouses attending the CAPSTONE Spouses
Course during Week 6 of CAPSTONE may stay at the Doubletree with the member at no additional charge.CAPSTONE Fellows who choose to stay at a location other than the Doubletree will be required to pay for their lodging and will be reimbursed at the government rate. Additionally, arrangements must be made for baggage storage while traveling outside the local area (approximately 3 1/2 out of the 6 weeks). Dual lodging is not authorized.
7. Rental Cars (non-Washington, D.C. area residents only)
If you will be using a rental car while attending CAPSTONE, you must obtain the authorization for funding for the rental car from your own unit, as the National Defense University will not reimburse you for rental car expenses while attending the course. We recommend that you
use one of the rental car companies listed below to enable you to easily return and pick up cars as you depart and return from CAPSTONE travel. Travel on the CAPSTONE trips is via military air departing and arriving through Andrews AFB (AAFB), and these companies service the base.Wash Nat'l # Andrews AFB # Dulles #
Thrifty (703) 658-2200 (301) 568-7900 (703)471-4544
Enterprise (703) 553-7744 (301) 868-8881 (703)
478-2300The following example illustrates the procedures used when picking up and returning a rental car at different locations. If you are arriving at National Airport initially, for example, call the Washington National Airport number for Thrifty or Enterprise and tell the reservations clerk that you wish to pick a car up at National Airport but return it to AAFB "DV Lounge" on the date you depart on CONUS travel (see your draft schedule for the departure date). You should make subsequent reservations to pick a car up at AAFB "DV Lounge" (upon return from the CONUS and overseas trips) through the company’s AAFB number. For your final reservation (on return from the overseas trip), tell the rental car clerk at AAFB that you wish to pick the car up at AAFB "DV Lounge" and return it to National Airport on the date you are flying back to your permanent duty station.
8. Parking and Driving on Ft. McNair
Parking spaces for CAPSTONE Fellows are reserved in the area directly in front of the National War College, Building 61, Roosevelt Hall, and also along 4th Avenue. Your parking permit is enclosed with your welcome letter. Please display your parking permit so that it can be seen through your windshield. If the car you will be driving does not have a DOD decal, please allow a few extra minutes on your first day to obtain a temporary vehicle pass from the Fort McNair Provost Marshal. The guard at the entrance to Fort McNair will assist you in this.
The speed limit on Fort McNair is 20 miles per hour and speed check points are regularly in operation. Speeding fines are a minimum of $25.00. Parking regulations are strictly enforced by both the Fort McNair Provost Marshal and the District of Columbia Department of Transportation. Persons ticketed for parking in unauthorized areas are subject to a fine of $25.00.
National Defense University's Resource Management Division will provide fund citations to CAPSTONE. We will, in turn, fax the information to you for publication of your orders by your unit. (This does not apply to those whose attendance isfunded by their own components or units.)
CAPSTONE will provide Fellows with travel vouchers to facilitate processing travel claims. Fellows stationed outside the Washington, DC area will submit one travel voucher to cover the entire TDY period. It will be completed upon return to home station and mailed back to NDU. (Express Mail envelopes will be provided with the vouchers.) Fellows stationed in the Washington, DC area will complete two vouchers (one for CONUS travel and one for overseas travel) and submit them to the CAPSTONE staff upon completion of that travel. NDU's Resource Management Division will forward the travel claims to DFAS for settlement and payment will be deposited to the account of your choosing. Reserve/Guard attendees, and select active-duty attendees in each class are funded for attendance by their own units or parent Service. These personnel will be advised to submit their claims to their units or parent Service.
CAPSTONE is supported by a fairly small staff. As a result, the individualized support that can be provided to each Fellow is limited. We will support you to the best of our abilities, but it may
not be to the degree you receive from your own staff.
CONTACT ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBERS Fellows who wish to receive mail at Fort McNair while attending the CAPSTONE course should use the following address:
National Defense University
ATTN: NDU-CA (Your Name)
Bldg 59, Room 280
408 4th Avenue
Ft McNair, DC 20319-5062
While attending the course, messages for CAPSTONE Fellows can be left at the following numbers:
Commercial: (202) 685-4260/2330/2332
DSN: 325-4260/2330/2332
Commercial Fax: (202) 685-4256
DSN Fax: 325-4256Prior to departure on the CONUS and overseas trips, you will be provided with listings of the phone numbers where you will be staying while "on the road". You should provide thse listings to your home office/family in the event they need to contact you while on travel.
A STU-III is available in the CAPSTONE area for classified calls you may need to make or receive while attending the course. To receive incoming classified faxes, have them sent to: Commercial (202) 685-3770 or DSN 325-3770. The addressee must be identified as a CAPSTONE Fellow on the transmittal sheet.
If you wish to have message traffic sent to you while attending CAPSTONE, use the following message address:
PRES NDU WASH DC//NDU-CA//
- NOTE: Please make sure the sender indicates the intended recipient's name in the message.
UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS 1. Washington Area
Army: Class B
Air Force: Short or long-sleeve shirt with slacks for men; Short or long-sleeve shirt with slacks or skirt for women
Navy: Khakis or Service Dress or Wooley Pulley (Whites are not required)
Marine Corps: Service "B" or "C", as appropriate
Coast Guard: Service Dress or Wooley Pulley
- Note A: Capitol Hill Visit : Service Dress/Class "A" (with blouse)
- Note B: Congress & the Military Dinner: business suit for men; suit or dress for women
2. CONUS Travel (10 Days)
The appropriate uniform for CONUS travel will be BDUs, flight suits or khakis. (Those Navy personnel who do not wear BDUs or flight suits, may wish to bring several pair of "wash khakis" for wear on CONUS travel.) Several social functions during this trip will require civilian casual clothing.
3. Overseas Travel (15 Days)
Army: Class B
Air Force: Short or long-sleeve shirt with slacks for men; short or long-sleeve shirt with slacks or skirt for women
Navy: Khakis
Marine Corps: Service "B" or C", as appropriate
Coast Guard: Tropical Blue Long/Service Dress Blue (Wooley Pulley optional)
- Service Dress/Class A. uniform may be required on both the Western Hemisphere and Europe trips
Note: Service dress/Class A uniform may be required on both the Western Hemisphere trip and the European trip.
NOTES:
A buisness suit for men and a suit or dress for women is required for most socials.
A jacket or sweater is recommended for wear on milair flights.
A book reading light is useful on milair flights.
WHAT TO BRING 1. Clothing:
4 sets of Class "B" or "C" uniform (minimum)
Service dress/Class "A" (with blouse)
2 – 3 sets of BDUs, flight suits or Khakis
A business suit for men; suit or dress for women
A military and civilian overcoat (winter)
Casual slacks (excluding jeans), open collar shirt and sweater for traveling
Athletic wear for PT
Swim suit (optional)2. Luggage: While traveling, we recommend that you limit yourself to one suitcase, one garment bag and one carry-on type "over the shoulder"
bag. Those attending CAPSTONE from out-of-town may leave additional baggage at the Doubletree during travel periods.3. Professional Gear:
Laptop computer, if desired
Passport
Book reading light for KC 135
Small "gym" bag for carrying change of clothes
Unbrella
HEALTH AND FITNESS One of the features of the CAPSTONE course which has been well received by previous classes is the Health Assessment. Each Fellow may voluntarily obtain an unofficial and strictly confidential individualized health assessment. The program consists of a blood chemistry test, a treadmill stress test, a lecture on health maintenance, and a one-on-one consultation with the University's Director of Health Fitness. It results in a suggested dietary and exercise prescription based upon individual data. A briefing on this program is scheduled during week one of the course.
The University has modest exercise facilities with saunas, stationary bicycles, treadmills and various weight equipment. A LIFECIRCUIT weight training system is also available. Tennis courts, a short, nine-hole golf course and areas for running are available at Fort McNair.
SYLLABUS Classroom presentations by distinguished guest lecturers examine topics such as: U.S. strategic interests; threats to U.S. national security; the intelligence community and its capability to monitor the threat; the formulation of national security policy; strategic/operation planning;
command responsibility; military and Congress; joint/combined operations; defense structure, issue, and organization; foreign policy; and military strategy at various levels. Topics include:CJCS Overview
National Strategy
Information Warfare
National Security Strategy Formulation
Congress and the Military
State Department and American Foreign Defense Resourcing
Policy
Emerging National Security Issues
Defense Acquisition
JTF Operations
Intelligence Integration
Total Force Policy
Defense ResourcingThe objective of the local area studies is to provide Fellows with a better understanding of principal national security agencies in the Washington area. Emphasis is placed on meeting with the Service chiefs, agency heads and Joint Staff directors. Local area studies are spread throughout the course. Visits include:
Central Intelligence Agency
HQ, U.S. Coast Guard
Dept of the Air Force
HQ, U.S. Marine Corps
Dept of the Army
Joint Staff
Dept of the Navy
National Security Council
Department of State
Congress3. CONUS Field Studies
The objective of the CONUS field studies is to ensure Fellows increase their understanding of the Unified Commands headquartered in the U.S. and the combat capabilities of the military services. Discussions with CINCs and hands-on demonstrations of major warfighting systems are included in this portion of the course. CONUS travel is via military air. Ten days of the course are devoted to CONUS field studies.
Unified Commands: Includes visits to U.S. Atlantic Command in Norfolk, VA; U.S. Southern Command in Miami, FL; U.S. Special Operations Command and U.S. Central Command at MacDill AFB, FL; U.S. Strategic Command at Offutt AFB, NE; U.S. Transportation Command at Scott AFB, IL; and U.S. Space Command at Peterson AFB, CO.
Military Service Capabilities: Military service capabilities will be explored during visits to the:
Air Force - Air Combat Command at Langley AFB, VA; U.S. Air Force Weapons and Tactics Center at Nellis AFB, NV for Red Flag, combat aircraft display and fighter demonstration
Army - The National Training Center at Fort Irwin, CA; airborne, special operations and JSOC capabilities at Fort Bragg, NC
Navy - an aircraft carrier at sea and port-side visits to submarines and Aegis cruisers in Norfolk, VA
Marine Corps - Marine Corps capabilities demonstration at Marine Forces Atlantic, Camp LeJeune, NC
4. Overseas Field Studies
Overseas field studies offer Fellows the opportunity to explore theater/regional security concerns, U.S. allied/friendly nation capabilities and how forces are trained and prepare for war. Executive sessions with national-level U.S. and foreign military leaders, U.S. ambassadors and their country teams, foreign government officials and field commanders provide a first-hand opportunity to discuss the day's current issues. The class divides into three groups for travel to Europe, the Pacific and the Western Hemisphere. (Trip assignments are made by respective Service general/flag officer management offices.)
CAPSTONE Executive Development Course The National Defense University offers a unique, optional program for spouses of CAPSTONE Fellows. It is offered in conjunction with the final (sixth) week of the CAPSTONE Course.
1. Course Focus
The focus of the Executive Development Program is centered around international regional issues, with additional discussions on military family policy and issues, and health, diet and nutrition. Additionally, a communication skills workshop is offered. The goal is to increase the participants’ understanding of these issues and enhance their effectiveness as partners with their general/flag officer spouses.
2. Course Objectives
- Increase awareness and understanding of international regional issues
- Increase awareness and understanding of military family policy and challenges
- Provide education on health and communications
- Develop a network of general/flag officer spouses
3. Topics & Activities
- Meet with the President, National Defense University
- Session on Health, Diet & Nutrition (to include a blood analysis, treadmill stress test, and bone density test, if desired)
- Regional Issues: Sessions on Europe, Latin America, Middle East, Africa, Pacific and the Former Soviet Union
- Presentations on Military Family Policy, Associations and Issues
- Communications Training and Public Speaking Workshop
- Tour the National Command Center in the Pentagon
- Luncheon and Discussion with Spouses of Senior Military Leaders
- Dinner and Discussion with a Member of Congress
- Meet with Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff
- Participate in "Open Forums" where areas of mutual concern are discussed and ideas are shared
The spouse of a retired senior military officer administers this program. Spouses who reside outside Washington, DC and wish to attend the program will receive invitational travel orders (ITOs) to fund a round-trip between current residence and Washington, DC. Per diem and other expenses are not funded. ITOs will be faxed to the member’s duty station approximately three weeks prior to the start date of the Executive Development Course. The ITO can be taken to the local transportation office to obtain a government transportation request.
3. Dress Guidlines
Classroom Females: Blouse & skirt or blouse & slacks; recommend a sweater during the cooler months of the year.
Males: Open-collared shirt & slacks
Air House Reception Females: Blouse & skirt or blouse & slacks
Males: Open-collared shirt & slacks
Congress & the Military Dinner Females: Dress or "Dressy" pantsuit
Males: Coat & tie
Graduation Reception Females & Males: Same as classroom dress
The 1999 Class Dates for the CAPSTONE Executive Development Course are:
- 99-1
15 - 18 Mar
- 99-2
24 - 27 May
- 99-3
23 - 26 Jul
- 99-4
1 - 4 NovPlease fax a completed Spouse Information Sheet (enclosed with the Welcome Letter) back to us if your spouse wishes to attend this course. Fax # (202)685-4256 or DSN 325-4256.
Last updated: 01/22/99
OVERVIEW
- Course Background
- Course Focus
- Course Mission
- Learning Objectives
- Course Methodology
- Course Context
- Senior Fellows
- 1998 Course Schedule
POLICIES
- Non-Attribution Policy
- Excusal Policy
- Security Clearance Policy
- Building Security Policy
- Smoking Policy
ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
- In-Processing
- Security Clearance Requirements
- Passports
- Transportation
- Financial
- Billeting
- Rental Cars
- Parking and Driving on Ft. McNair
- TDY Orders
- Travel Claims
- Staff Support
Development COURSE