International Course Members and Other Government Agencies
Generally, approximately 30% of the Joint Command and Staff course is made up of international course members, with both the Joint Junior Staff and Joint Warrant Officer Advanced courses also having international course members. International officers make a significant contribution to the course member body at the Joint Command and Staff College. They bring an international mix to the academic and social aspects of the courses. The international Course Members come from a range of Asia, Pacific and Middle Eastern countries where their backgrounds and experiences provide a strong dynamic to CSC courses. The College also includes course members from Other Government Agencies such as the New Zealand Police and New Zealand Customs to name but two.
NZDF Attendance at Foreign Command and Staff Colleges
Opportunities are available for selected NZDF Officers to attend foreign Command and Staff Colleges. This contributes to strong relationships between New Zealand and the international community and offers NZDF course members the opportunity to experience different perspectives on issues/subjects.
Australian Study Tour
This two-week tour to Canberra primarily concerns the involvement in Joint Operations exercises with the Australian Command and Staff College. It builds on the strong relationship between Australia and New Zealand and helps indoctrinate a culture of working together. In addition, an Australian syndicate travels to New Zealand for a week prior to the tour.
Overseas Study Tour
The Overseas Study Tour is a two-week tour conducted to two to three countries, determined by IDR/SCI Branch as priorities for Defence Diplomacy. The Overseas Study Tour is included and assessed in the Staff Course Curriculum under the International Studies Module, although there is considerable overlap with other modules, especially the Strategic Studies and Operations Module. The Overseas Study Tour exposes and broadens course members’ understanding of regional issues. Destinations are largely in the Asia-Pacific region. In the last decade Asia has taken a greater prominence in destinations which has been reflective of New Zealand’s strengthening interests in Asia. In 2010 Staff Course 51 and Joint Warrant Officer Advanced Course 10/01 visited Papua New Guinea, China and Malaysia.
Visits by Foreign Delegations
A number of senior ranking officers and delegations visit the NZDF Joint Command and Staff College throughout the year. Official visits between representatives of foreign national or international defence organisations create engagement opportunities and generate good-will among the nations concerned and New Zealand.