Blended Learning Combining Online and Residency Program

Complete 240 hours online over 12 weeks
Complete 80 hours (2 weeks) residency

COMMAND AND STAFF LEADERSHIP (ACE1)

COMMAND AND STAFF COLLEGE

The demands placed on first responder leaders have never been greater than they are today.  Throughout the industry, leaders are promoted earlier and with less experience than they were, just a few years ago.  The roles and responsibilities have not changed, in fact, for many theirs have expanded to a point where they are being stretched more and more.  Additionally, many agencies are challenged by budget shortfalls and staffing issues, making it difficult to properly address leadership development.  The Command & Staff Program has been specifically designed by the National Command and Staff College to address these challenges and serves as part of the vanguard of today’s professional first responder leaders.   

Command and Staff is a blended (320 hours – 240 online, 80 hours residency with capstone research papers) program that is American Council on Education (ACE) certified and is eligible for six (6) hours of graduate level college transfer.  Since 2018, over 425 first responder leaders from throughout the United States have graduated from the Command and Staff Program.

Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to prepare for an inspired agency command; build self-awareness and understand tendencies; develop a personal philosophy of command; understand the value of a peer network; align resources with strategy, mission, vision and values of the agency; assess and improve command climate and agency culture; value taking calculated risks and learning from mistakes, and value critical thinking and values in decision making.

The Command and Staff program aims to improve leadership capability by creating more aware leaders, who in turn make intentionally deeper investments in the human domain, while aligning both mission and values.  Graduates will be leaders and mentors for their people, dedicated to personal and professional growth, committed to promoting open communication and shared values, and focused on mission accomplishment.  

Command and Staff students learn practical skills and tools necessary to succeed in an ever-changing dynamic environment.  The class focuses on effectively resolving the challenges of an accomplished career.  Upon completing the course, participants will:

  1. Develop self-awareness and an understanding of personal tendencies to enhance leadership effectiveness and prepare for an inspired agency command.

  2. Formulate a personal philosophy of command grounded in leadership principles, ethics, and values to guide decision-making and behavior as a leader within the agency.

  3. Recognize the importance of building and leveraging a peer network for support, collaboration, and knowledge sharing in advancing agency objectives and overcoming challenges.

  4. Align agency resources with strategic objectives, mission, vision, and values to optimize performance, enhance organizational effectiveness, and achieve desired outcomes.

  5. Evaluate and enhance command climate and agency culture to foster a positive and inclusive work environment conducive to innovation, collaboration, and high performance.

The long-term goal of the program is to add to the leadership skill sets of each participant, and to also contribute to the body of knowledge of law enforcement through the completion of significant foresight-based research.  Graduates of the program will leave with new colleagues, a diverse array of faculty from which the student can continue to consult, and ways to act ahead of change to create an optimistic future for law enforcement and the communities they serve.

REQUEST YOUR BADGE

The Command & Staff Certification Badge is provided to the following graduates:

  • The Graduates of the Command & Staff Leadership Program of the National Command and Staff College.

  • The Graduates of the NTOA Command College.