Joint Staff Training Course
In 2005 North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), US Northern Command (N-NC) initiated and developed a prototype Joint Staff Training Course (JSTC). Program oversight is provided by the NGB J37. The JSTC provides comprehensive training and education in joint staff skills in support of the Joint Force Headquarters (JFHQ)-State missions in state, federal and dual status commander (T32 and T10) statuses. Currently, this is the only course in the Department of Defense (DOD) that collectively trains and educates joint staff.
The JSTC provides the PA-JFHQ staff with a deep understanding of joint doctrine, operational planning and the integration of different military service capabilities. This knowledge is crucial for success in a joint and domestic operations environment. The course provides participants with a chance to develop as a cohesive, collective element. One able to use cross-functional staffing operations to conduct comprehensive operations in a dynamic domestic operations environment. It also prepares the staff for no-notice and preplanned events in support of civil authorities in accordance with applicable state and federal doctrine and plans. Additionally, it prepares the PA- JFHQ staff to operate in a, ”whole community,” environment, translating TAG guidance into actionable objectives.
The JSTC is a three-day course that provides a blended learning experience composed of two integrated components; the web-based Joint Domestic Operations Course (JDOC) and a culminating face-to-face state engagement. Training is designed for current or future Army and Air National Guard service members working in a JFHQ, Joint Task Force and Joint Operations Center, Emergency Operations Center or a member of any Domestic Operations (DOMOP) National Guard Reaction Force (NGRF). The web-based JDOC is a joint service, interagency (local, state and federal) focused course providing students an introduction to joint service and interagency domestic operations. Additionally, the training encompasses the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Incident Management System Incident Command Structure (NIMS/ICS) IS-700a and IS-800b distance learning courses. The face-to-face state engagement builds on the knowledge and comprehension gained in the JDOC using lecture, facilitated discussion and table-top exercises (TTXs) in order to analyze, synthesize and apply joint service and interagency doctrine in the domestic operations environment.
The JSTC is accredited and certified as part of the overall NGB/USNORTHCOM Joint National Training Capability (JNTC). Service members who complete the JSTC receive Joint Certification for the award of one and a half Joint Qualified Officer (JQO) Points (one point for the JDOC and a half point JQO points for the face-to-face state engagement). In preparation for the course, it’s recommended that students complete the following on-line FEMA Courses: IS75, 100.a, 200.a, 700.a and 800.b.