1. OBTAIN a PASSPORT marked OFFICIAL or SERVICE (not a tourist passport).

2. A NATO, A/1 or A/2 VISA is the normal type visa issued.

3. BE FINANCIALLY PREPARED with at least $6,500.00 available upon arrival.

4. INSPECT YOUR ITO (Invitational Travel Orders) for accuracy.

5. UNIFORM & DRESS STANDARDS preparation.

6. TECHNOLOGY ACCESS and EQUIPMENT for International Fellows.

7. OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER.

8. QUESTIONS or ISSUES.

This course instructs International Fellows (IF) who have been selected to attend the US Army War College (USAWC) in the English and writing skills required for successfully completing the academic requirements for the US Army War College resident program. Attendees of this course must score a minimum of 75 on the English Comprehension Level test (ECL). Upon completion of the course, students must have accomplished a minimum score of 80 to be eligible for the USAWC resident course.

The USAWC International Fellows Program will provide two ECL testing opportunities during the 9 week course-one mid-way through the course and another at the end. The course commences with introductions and team building exercises in order to create a positive learning dynamic in the classroom. The first two modules of the course will focus on English grammar, covering both basic and advanced fundamentals of the language. Week three will include practice in participating in group discussion and presenting material as a group and individually. The objectives for this module will prepare students for interaction in their respective core course seminars at the USAWC. Preparation for integration into the USAWC resident course continues with study and practice in reading effectively and thinking critically, skills that are necessary to negotiate the volume of reading required. The Research and Documentation module follows with a focus on exposure to research opportunities and help in understanding the process of research to be incorporated into writing, including proper documentation. The course continues with two weeks of writing instruction focused on building a piece of writing from topic selection, through the writing process of developing an outline, to drafting an introduction. The next module will focus on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Students will become more familiar with the test itself, learn to manage the time restriction of the test, and practice the skills and exercises included within the test. The final week is a culmination of all prior study and practice. This concluding module will help enrolled students understand the value of peer review and become familiar with academic support resources available to them throughout their year of study at the USAWC. It is also an opportunity for them to combine all they have learned into a final research paper-meant to mimic the requirements and standards of USAWC core course papers that they will be assigned throughout the year. This final week also includes a one-on-one student teacher conference which provides an opportunity for individualized feedback and allows for specific recommendations designed to aid student efforts to successfully integrate into the USAWC and complete required academic work. In addition to the respective core focus for each week, some activities will be completed on a continuing basis in order to cement skills and develop core competencies necessary for success in the USAWC resident course. An example of such activities is the reading of selected newspaper articles and discussion of current events of strategic interest. Short writing tasks will also be assigned on a daily or weekly basis.

This course is not mandatory/required for entry into the Orientation Course/Resident Course. It is recommended that if an IMS selected for the USAWC Resident Course and scores lower on the ECL, hast not had any experience with writing research papers at the graduate level in English, or has not attended University in 10 plus years, he/she be enrolled in the Academic Prep Course to ensure successful completion of the Resident Course. Officers attending this course should be familiar with the requirements for the US Army War College Resident Course. Information for this course can be found at https://www.armywarcollege.edu/experience/index.htm.

Family members are NOT authorized to accompany the IMS to this course. IMS will be required to pass the course with an 80 ECL to matriculate to the Orientation and the resident Courses. Only after the officer is confirmed that he/she will enter the Orientation Course will family members be authorized to accompany the IMS. It is strongly recommended that IMS do not purchase private (civilian) Health Insurance (if required) until the officer will matriculate into the Orientation and Resident Courses. Temporary Lodging will be coordinated by the International Student Management Office. The Greater Carlisle Area has a limited Rental Housing Market, upon arrival for the Academic Preparation Course, there will be little, if any, permanent housing available.

Study the role of landpower, as part of a unified, joint or combined force, in support of the U.S. national military strategy. Prepares selected military officers and civilians for leadership responsibilities in a strategic security environment during wartime and peacetime. Curriculum focuses on national security and strategy issues, concepts and processes; military strategy, plans and operations; theater level warfare and campaign planning; and command, leadership and management.

In order to be considered, an Active Component officer must be serving in the grade of lieutenant colonel or colonel, have completed no less than 15 years and no more than 25 years of active federal commissioned service and be a graduate or have credit for completion of a command and staff level college. Reserve Component officers on the active duty list who are otherwise eligible, will remain eligible for consideration as long as they will not reach their mandatory release date from active duty prior to the convening date of the board. MOD agencies are invited to nominate career senior service civilian. The process is the same as military personnel. For additional information, please see Newcomers Information for important details.

Distance Education Course is a cohort program consisting of a series of primary courses, an elective, and two resident courses, taken over a two-year period. Each course is composed of numerous lessons. The lesson is the basic unit of instruction and consists of selected readings and other educational materials that support accomplishment of course objectives. Course performance is evaluated through writing forum participation and exercise requirements. Individual student requirements are subjective in nature, based on required study and designed to ensure that course objectives are attained.

The program is closely parallels scope of resident course. Curriculum consists of eleven correspondence courses, two two-week resident phases, and an optional writing program. Like the resident course, it focuses on the study of the role of landpower, as part of a unified, joint or combined force, in support of the U.S. national military strategy. Prepares selected military officers and civilians for leadership responsibilities in a strategic security environment during wartime and peacetime. Curriculum focuses on national security and strategy issues, concepts and processes; military strategy, plans and operations; theater level warfare and campaign planning and command, leadership and management.

Applicants will be Lieutenant Colonel or higher and will be a Regular Army Officer in active status, an Army Resident Component Officer on extended active duty, or a Reserve Component Officer not on extended active duty.

Applicants will have successfully completed ALL of the following:

• The U.S. Army Command and General Staff College Resident or Nonresident Course, or equivalent.
• At least 15, but not more than 25 years of service as of the course start date (years of service may be promotion list service).
• The country equivalent of 4 years of education at a U.S. college or university (baccalaureate level).
• Scored 83 or higher on the TOEFL iBT test (the TOEFL test minimum score is not waived).

NOTE: A copy of the university or college transcript will need to be submitted to the Army War College registrar with the TOEFL score before enrollment in the program.

Request for waiver, if required, must be submitted for enrollment and be endorsed by applicable immediate commander. MOD agencies are invited to nominate career senior service civilians. The process is the same as military personnel.

Family members are NOT authorized to accompany the IMS to the two resident courses held at the end of the first year of studies and at the end of the second year of studies. If the officer elects to have a family member join to attend the graduation at the end of the second residency, it must be at NO expense to the US Government. The First Resident Course includes a one-week administrative and field studies program itinerary and is MANDATORY. IMS should plan for a three-week First Residency (one week run exclusively by the IMSO and the following two-weeks executed by the Department of Distance Education). Department of Distance Education web site: https://dde.carlisle.army.mil/

1. Civilian Education
2. Military Education/Training (to include any other foreign and US schools/training or education)
3. Special Qualification Certification (e.g., Airborne/Parachute, Desert, Artic, Special Forces, Ranger, Jungle, Mountain, Aviation)
4. Listing of Military Duty Assignments that include dates, position and organization
5. List of any participation of Battle Campaigns, Peacekeeping, or conflicts to include name, dates, and location
6. Instructor Experience
7. Joint Staff Experience
8. Other Languages (Speak/Write/Read Levels)
9. Decorations and Awards
10. Membership in Professional Societies (e.g., legal, engineering, etc.)
11. Published Writings (Provide title, date and where published)
12. Be prepared to list any dietary restrictions (food or drink)
13. Sports participation
14. Hobbies

Print the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Physician’s Report of Physical

(Please have your family physician complete the form in English.)

All local school districts will require that testing for tuberculosis be done AFTER students come to the United States. The International Fellows office will assist you in getting the TB test at Dunham Clinic at Carlisle Barracks for your school aged children.

All students entering grades 1, 3, or 7 must have had a dental exam within the past year. Some dependents are not eligible for dental care at the local military dental clinic. If you cannot schedule an appointment for your child prior to arrival, the International Fellows office will assist you in finding a local dentist.

Kevin Bremer- kevin.d.bremer.civ@army.mil

As a newly designated Fellow to the U.S. Army War College, you should report as soon as possible to the U.S. Army MAAG, military missions, or military attaché (as appropriate) for instructions and briefing. Prior to submitting the Registration Form, you need to take the English Comprehension Level Test (ECL) and attain a score of at least 80. The actual score attained must be entered in the appropriate space on the Registration Form