War college
A War College is an advanced educational institution that focuses on training commissioned military officers and government personnel in various aspects of military command, policy, and staff responsibilities. Unlike military academies, which primarily train young recruits, War Colleges enhance the skills of experienced officers and officials already in service. In the United States, for example, the National War College comprises a diverse student body, with roughly 75% of students representing the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, while the remaining 25% are drawn from the State Department and other federal agencies. These institutions often include international participants, providing a broader perspective on military strategy and cooperation. Some War Colleges are specialized, focusing on a specific branch of the military. Overall, War Colleges play a crucial role in preparing leaders for complex decision-making in military and government contexts.
Subject Terms
War college
An institution that trains selected officers and government personnel in command, military policy, and staff responsibilities. Unlike a military academy, which trains young, inexperienced persons to be officers, war colleges “polish” the abilities of persons already holding commissions as officers or serving as government officials. Typical of such institutions, at the National War College in the United States, about seventy-five percent of the student body is composed of equal representation from the sea, air, and land (including the Coast Guard and Marine) services. The remaining 25 percent are chosen from the State Department and other segments of the federal government. In addition, a number of foreign officers and government officials are admitted to study. Other war colleges are dedicated to a particular branch of service.
