JSCSC is a component of the Defence Academy and the commandant is a full member of the DA Management Board, reporting to the director of the Defence Academy. The commandant is a two-star appointment and can be filled by candidates from each of the three services. Within JSCSC itself, each service is represented by a one-star assistant commandant, each with responsibility for both single service issues and delivery of training. The dean of academic studies leads King's College London's Defence Studies Department, which provides theoretical and conceptual academic education in partnership with the militarydirecting staff.
Courses
As of 2016, the JSCSC provides the following courses, amongst others:
Higher Command and Staff Course: aimed at OF-6 rank or OF-5
Advanced Command and Staff Course: aimed at OF-4 rank
Intermediate Command and Staff Course: aimed at OF-3 rank
Royal Navy Division
Intermediate Command and Staff Course : Aimed at Lieutenant Commanders, Lieutenants and civil servants
* Elements:
** Command, Leadership, Management and Ethos
** Staff and Communication Skills, including Defence Writing
** Strategic Studies: The International Environment and UK Defence Management
** Maritime Studies: Strategy, Environment, Capabilities, and the Royal Navy
** Joint Studies: Capabilities, Environment, and Joint and Combined Operations
Intermediate Command and Staff Course
Advanced Amphibious Warfare Course
Army Division
Intermediate Command and Staff Course : Aimed at Army and Royal Marine Majors, and civil servants
* Elements:
** Staff and Communication Skills
** Command Leadership and Management
** Global Effects on Defence
** Higher Management of Defence and the Army
** Equipment and Capability
** Land Warfare – including Formation Level Planning and Military Assistance to stabilisation and Development
Intermediate Command and Staff Course
RAF Division
Intermediate Command and Staff Course : Aimed at Squadron Leaders and civil servants
The college crest features a cormorant, a symbol of all three armed services; Britain's largest seabird flies, swims on the sea surface and catches its fish underwater, yet builds its nest on dry land. The cormorant was derived from the symbol of the Joint Service Defence College. The alumni association of the college, open to graduates of the Higher Command and Staff Course, the Advanced Command and Staff Course and staff of the college, is named the Cormorant Club.
