Graduate

Junior Command and Staff Leadership Programme (JCSLP)

Duration: Twenty-three (23) weeks (across two semesters)

Location: Semester 1: online; Semester 2: CMA Moneague

Overview

The first of the academic programmes under the CMA, the Junior Command and Staff Leadership (JCSL) Programme launched in September 2020. The programme results in a post-graduate diploma from the University of the West Indies and the post-nominal designation of “pjsc”.

The JCSL progrmame emerged from the Caribbean Junior Command and Staff College which has been offered by the Jamaica Defence Force since 1993. It is co-sponsored by the JDF and the Canadian Forces (CF) and is aimed at preparing junior officers to perform junior/intermediate staff functions at the Unit and Force/Brigade Headquarters’ levels, and command functions at the sub-Unit and Unit levels within the context of the Force/Brigade.

In furtherance of the Mission of the Caribbean Military Academy to provide internationally recognized military education which aligns well to higher education, the Caribbean Military Academy entered into an agreement with The University of the West Indies, Open Campus to convert the Caribbean Junior Command and Staff Course into an academic Post-Graduate Diploma in Junior Command and Staff Leadership.

The programme comprises an semester of online study delivered via the University of the West Indies learning platfrom and a second, residential semester at the Moneague campus of the CMA.

Upon successful completion of Part 1 of the Programme, students will be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in Junior Command and Staff Leadership from The University of the West Indies (UWI). Upon successful completion of Parts 1 and 2 of the Programme students will be awarded the post-graduate diploma and the “pjsc” designation.

Objectives of the Programme

The JCSL is designed to enable officers to:

• Solve problems logically, make decisions or recommendations and communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Understand and apply the principles, techniques, and doctrine for joint army/air tactical operations in a mechanized environment.
• Understand and apply the functions of command and staff up to and including battlegroup level.
• Discuss contemporary security-related issues.
• Appreciate the value and contribution of the military in a democratic society.

Entry Requirements

Meet the normal matriculation requirements of The University of the West Indies to pursue Post-Graduate Studies. These are:

• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a related field from a university or college acceptable to The University of the West Indies (UWI).
• A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.5.
• At least a Lower Second Class Honours or it's equivalent if applicants pursued a first degree at a university other than The UWI.

Language Requirements

The JCSL is conducted in English and therefore all students must have a good command of both written and spoken English Language. Applicants whose first language is not English must have completed TOEFL. A score of 500 in the TOEFL Test for foreign students will be accepted as equivalent to and in place of, an acceptable (CSEC) Grades I-III in English (A) from applicants whose native language is not English OR Grade B or above in a College English Programme from an approved university.

The test must have been taken no more than five (5) years before the commencement of the Programme. Applicants whose native language is not English must ensure that the TOEFL test is done in time to have the results forwarded to The UWI or CMA before the close of application.

Qualification Gained

• Certificate; Postgraduate Diploma (subject to matriculation).