US Army's Pre-Commissioning Programs

This thesis examines the potential application of training and education methods utilized by the United States Army pre-commissioning programs to the civilian intelligence agencies with respect to how they might increase collaboration. Specifically, this thesis focuses on how the common basis of education and shared hardship provided by the United States Military Academy at West Point, Officer Candidate School, and ROTC creates a collaborative environment and instills a sense of enduring collaboration for graduates. Research focused on the curriculum design and training found in each pre-commissioning program that builds long-term collaboration in the students such as immersive experiences and the building of a professional identity. Three distinct approaches to adapting the Army pre-commissioning programs to the civilian intelligence community are assessed using the structured-focused methodology, along with the use of evaluation criteria adapted from the Army course of action screening criteria of Feasible, Acceptable, Suitable, Distinguishable, and Complete (FAS-DC). Potential approaches for implementation are identified, along with options for future research and subsequent steps necessary to execute the recommended approach.