Naval War College Convenes 100th Maritime Staff Operators Course

From U.S. Naval War College Public Affairs

NEWPORT, R.I. (NNS) -- U.S. Naval War College (NWC) alumni, faculty, staff and students gathered with NWC's 51st President, retired Rear Adm. Jacob L. Shuford, to commemorate the 100th class convening of the Maritime Staff Operators Course (MSOC) at NWC in Newport, R.I., May 20.

The course, which was set in motion by Shuford during his tenure as NWC President, serves as an opportunity to support combat readiness, and educate and develop leaders by preparing students for duty with joint and operational-level maritime headquarters staffs.

Upon successful completion of the 100th MSOC, the 25 officers of class 14-10 will join the ranks of more than 2,250 graduates since the course's inaugural convening in November 2007.

"The members of this class reflect the diverse makeup of an operational-level commander's staff," said Francisco Rosario, a NWC professor. "The class includes a variety of warfare experience and designators, a balance of reserve and active component personnel, and a range of seniority from junior officers, senior enlisted personnel, to limited duty officers and commanders."

Students who attend MSOC are familiarized with operational and naval theory, concepts, doctrine, organizations, capabilities, responsibilities, functions, planning processes and execution techniques, as well as practices of joint and operational-level maritime headquarters staffs.

The course also provides an opportunity for student-led practical planning using a complex fictional maritime-based case study, and a five-day war game.

"When you walk into a new job, it takes you awhile to get your head wrapped around what's actually going on. [MSOC] gives us all the vocabulary, the understanding and comprehension of the system," said Lt. Cmdr. Christy Sibley, a current MSOC student.

The five-week course is designed to introduce students to the processes, procedures and functions of a maritime operations center.

"This allows graduates to report to their operational assignments with a solid understanding of staff processes and functions and with the ability to immediately and effectively participate in the various staff roles," said Rosario.