Naval War College, Goa
Naval War College, Goa
The Naval War College (NWC) was established on 17 Sep 1988 at Karanja, Mumbai as ‘College of Naval Warfare’ with the aim of developing leadership qualities of officers of the Indian Armed Forces at the Strategic and Operational level with respect to critical thinking, analytical ability, policy formulation and proficiency at operational Art. During its path breaking journey spanning 31 years, NWC has established itself as a world class transformational institution which inculcates strategic outlook with strong foundation of distinct regional and global awareness through its professionally sculptured curriculum. From its modest beginning the NWC has evolved as a premier institution of higher learning in the faculties of training, warfare, war gaming, academics, leadership development and quality research in conformity with organisational aspirations with global bench marking standards. It provides a conducive environment for nurturing research oriented thinking and evolving future concepts on ‘Core Issues’ confronting the Armed Forces. The course participants are exposed to a wide variety of contemporary, competing, personal as well as organisational perspectives on services matters, regional and global issues and leadership. There have been successive and continuous value additions, achievements and initiatives at training, academics, foreign cooperation, infrastructure development and conduct of events.
Training
NWC has successfully conducted 31 Naval Higher Command Courses, 26 Technical Management Courses and four Regional Maritime Security Course (RMSC) since its raising.
Methodology of Instructions. The primary method of instructions is through the medium of lectures, syndicate discussion, presentations, field research visits, group discussions, individual and group exercises. Guest lectures by eminent speakers, experts, retired and serving senior officers and faculty from various universities, institutions and think-tank organisations provide course participants differing perspectives. Additionally, primers by Directing Staff/select student officers, presentation by syndicates, sub-syndicates and individual officers are also planned. Adequate time is also provided for research work.
Syndicates.The course is divided into syndicates for the purpose of training and admin activities as also to bring about equal participation and experience sharing during various syndicate discussions, events and activities.
Syndicate Discussion
Research. Participants are required to submit a mandatory research paper on a suitable operational subject. This seeks to address a specific aspect of the chosen subject, so as to come up with cogent recommendations and conclusions. The broad areas of research include Maritime/Joint Operations, Information Warfare, Psychological Operations, Media, Maritime Military Doctrine/Strategy, Higher Defence Management, International Relations, Area Studies, Naval/Military Training, Force Structuring, Capability Development, Naval/Military Technology, International and Maritime Law, Energy Security, Morals & Ethics, Leadership; and Maritime Logistics. In addition to individual research course participants also undertake research on issues of operational importance in the maritime domain in syndicates/ sub-syndicates. Selected Op papers are published in the NWC Journal and the three best Op Papers are awarded Book Prizes.
Electives Programme.An elective each on contemporary subjects is conducted by Goa University and Goa Institute of Management to broaden the knowledge base and horizon of the NHCC participants.
Field Research Visit and Industrial Tour.Field Research Visits in the form of Forward Area Tour to the Western Front and Northern Front; visit to a foreign country and industrial tours are conducted to facilitate professional learning through first-hand experience. These bring about the nuances of organisation, equipment, various facets of rugged terrain, inclement weather and ground realities in the field.
Foreign Country Research Visit
Foreign Country Research Visit
Operational Level Wargame Centre.The automated Operational Level Wargaming Centre (Chanakya) exposes officers to hands on training on computer based wargaming on the operational as well as logistic issues. These exercises test the strategic, operational and tactical acumen of potential higher leadership on their ability to make simple, realistic and workable plans. These also acts as a sounding board for out of the box as well as inside the box plans for their worthiness so as to bring about confidence in the abilities and potential at critical thinking and decision making.
Operational War Game Centre
PhD Programme.Recognition of college as centre for Ph.D. under Mumbai University has renewed the focus on quality research which directly and indirectly contributes to the organisations Operational and Strategic exertions.
Commander’s Conclave.The annual “Commander’s Conclave” provides an ideal platform for mutual interaction of all the stakeholders on issues concerning the organisation and its future exploits. This event is gainfully utilised to openly deliberate and discuss various issues pertaining to the Navy.
Commander’s Conclave
Integrated Curriculum.Towards providing maximum opportunities for interaction between the international officers undergoing the RMSC(Regional Maritime Security Course) and the Indian Armed Forces officers undergoing the NHCC(Naval Higher Command Course), the RMSC forms the first leg of the NHCC curriculum. This facilitates an exchange of views and a better understanding of each other’s perspectives in the maritime domain.
Naval War College Journal.The college publications have systematically evolved into a repository of knowledge, The Naval War College Journal receives enriching article contributions from authors of international repute and provides a quality read. The journal truly reflects the diverse knowledge and skill sets of our great thinkers and writers on professional matters.
Naval War College Journal
Automation and Facilities.
(a) NWC Website. The site acts as a one stop shop for Information on Naval War College and its activities across the entire spectrum.
(b) Digitisation of Research Work. The entire 31 year research material has been digitised and archived. This is managed on the Eisen Vault Software Platform which enables easy storage, search and retrieval solution.
(c) National Knowledge Network. NKN is a state of the art multi-gigabit pan-India network funded by Government of India. It aims at facilitating the development of communication, research, medicines, next-gen applications and focuses on connecting all the national Institutes / central Universities to each other. A separate NKN lab with 15 operational nodes is also operational at the college.
(d) NWC Library. The NWC Library has a stock of over 11930 books and new books on contemporary issues are added regularly. In addition to books, the library also subscribes to 36 print and online journals and 12 magazines. Two dedicated library management PCs enable users to search for and access books. RFID Kiosk and Drop-box machine enable automatic issue-return of books. In addition, an Internet Based Library Network with 10 nodes is connected to the NKN.
Courses Conducted at the Naval War College
RMSC
RMSC is part of recent initiatives taken by India for enhancing regional maritime cooperation. The eight week course is subscribed by major countries of the Indian Ocean Region.
Regional Maritime Security Course
Aim.To prepare participant officers for leadership at the strategic and operational levels by developing critical thinking, analytical ability and proficiency in Operational Art.
Objectives.The objectives of the RMSC are as follows:-
(a) Assist participants to gain a first-hand knowledge of the geo-political, geo-strategic and maritime security concerns of the region.
(b) To explore / develop enduring solutions to address various challenges in the maritime domain in the region.
(c) Develop a clear understanding of the perspectives of other regional navies so as to interact effectively in a multinational environment.
(d) Build ‘Bridges of Friendship’ so as to facilitate collective solutions for maritime security issues in the region.
Course Certificate.A certificate/ parchment is awarded to all participants on completion of the course.
NHCC
The NHCC is attended by officers in the rank of Captain (Navy) and equivalents. The 37 week course curriculum catapults intellectual pursuits through increased exposure, rigorous research and critical thinking on relevant issues. Both serving and retired senior officers of the Armed Forces, diplomats, government officials and corporate leaders interact with the course participants during guest lectures, symposiums, conclaves, panel discussion, research work and study tours.
Aim.To prepare officers of the Indian Navy and joint forces for leadership at strategic and operational levels by developing critical thinking, analytical ability and proficiency in operational art.
Objectives.The objectives of the NHCC are:-
(a) Broaden the strategic and operational level perspective of officers attending the course.
(b) To help understand the factors that shape the security environment of IOR.
(c) Undertake research to address challenges at operational level for IN / other services.
(d) Provide an in-depth understanding of International Relations.
(e) To prepare officers to conceive, plan and execute maritime operations with due regard to intelligence and optimum utilisation of all assets/resources.
(f) Provide an exposure to integrated defence planning and execution of joint force operations.
(g) Prepare officers to render balanced and effective advice in higher echelons of decision-making in the defence services.
(h) Enhance knowledge of UN Charter, International and Maritime laws with emphasis on UN Convention of the Laws of the Sea (UNCLOS).
In keeping with the higher aim of fostering inter-service integration, officers from the IA and the IAF are nominated by their respective Services to undergo NHCC. Since NHCC 15, the Indian Coast Guard is also being represented. Further, the officers undergoing Higher Command Courses at the respective Services’ War College attend a five week Joint Operations Capsule ‘JOCAP’ at the Army War College, Mhow.
M Phil Programme.NHCC participants who hold a Master’s degree in any discipline are eligible for the M Phil programme under the aegis of Mumbai University.
Technical Management Course (TMC)
The TMC is conducted for the officers in the rank of Commander for a duration of 20 weeks. The course has affiliation with All India Management Association for certification of the management education being conducted. The course curriculum is aimed at grooming and nurturing the cream of the nation into professional, proficient, effective and efficient commanding and staff officers.
Technical Management Course
Aim.To prepare officers for taking up managerial assignments in Dockyards, Material Organisations, special projects and staff jobs at Naval / Command Headquarters.
Objectives.The objectives of TMC Course are as follows:-
(a) Provide in-depth exposure to the officers in development and management of human resources.
(b) Enhance the officers’ abilities in staff work, planning, assessing cost-effectiveness and monitoring of projects.
(c) Educate the officers about contemporary practices in various facets of leadership and management.
(d) Improve the officers’ skills in planning and monitoring refit related activities.
(e) Develop abilities in quantitative evaluation of procurement and project proposals.
(f) Provide opportunity for acquiring academic qualification in management studies.
Methodology of Instructions.The Course is conducted jointly by way of structured capsules on various facets of management conducted by Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS) and faculty of NWC, guest lectures, discussions, presentations and reading. In addition, visits to industries is conducted to enhance the value of the curriculum.
Syllabus.The syllabus includes Human Resource Management, Industrial Relations, Material Management, Financial Management, Production Management, Project Management, Management of Technology, Management in Indian Navy, Marketing, Quality Management, Service Writing, Commanders Estimate of Situation and International Relations.
Project Work.The officers undertake a three week project work for which they are deputed to Naval Establishments like Naval Dockyard, Materials Organisation, Naval Ship Repair Yard, Mazgaon Dock Limited etc. for carrying out required study during the contact phase.
Post Graduate Diploma in Management.JBIMS conducts examination at the end of course and student officers are awarded PGDM degree on successful completion of TMC course.
Cross Linkages and Foreign Cooperation.In order to widen our perspective on global issues, the college has taken a lead in forging cross institutional linkages in India and abroad.
Cross Linkages and Foreign Cooperation
(a) Friendly Foreign Country Participation. The Technical Management Course wef TMC-24 has earmarked two vacancies for officers from the Sri Lankan Navy. The initiative will further strengthen our bonds of friendship, cooperation and interoperability. The same may be extended to other countries of the Indian Ocean Region initially and then across the globe in future.
(b) Faculty Exchange Programme. Owing to its world class benchmarking standards on strategic, operational and critical thinking; leadership development, military training and higher directions of war the NWC took yet another gigantic leap towards establishing ties with the Naval War Colleges at Japan, Myanmar and the United States by ways of instituting Faculty Exchange Programmes.
(c) The Goa Maritime Conclave and Symposium. The conclave and symposium are organised alternatively as an annual diplomatic and regional cooperation forum on maritime matters and are part of the overall MEA/MoD framework on our policy aspirations as a regional power and global contender. The conduct of these events is an effective tool in furthering diplomatic initiatives and achieving international cooperation.
Goa Maritime Conclave
Goa Maritime Symposium
(d) Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) - Navy Seminar. A maiden seminar on Indian Maritime Environment and Capability Requirement – Imperatives for Indian Industry was held in Nov 2017. The seminar articulated the strategic necessity for India’s all round Naval and maritime capabilities. The industrial capabilities to support the naval forces at all times and at all the locations were discussed. Potential opportunities for investment towards capacity building for the Navy were also identified. The NWC was accredited as the knowledge partner by the CII for the event.
Infrastructure.
(a)Admin-cum-Training Complex. The project of Admin-cum-Training complex has been classified as the ‘Prestigious Building’ category. The much needed complex will shape up into a word class integrated facility to cater for all the training academic and administrative requirements with increased capacity.
(b)New Officers Mess Building. The new Officers’ Mess building/Ward Room project was commissioned on 24 Jun 19 by Vice Admiral A K Chawla, AVSM, NM, VSM Flag Officer Commanding in Chief, Southern Naval Command. The availability of the same will now ensure messing and accommodation for all the course participants within the Naval War College campus thereby increasing satisfaction levels and result in streamlined administration for the officers as well as the service providers.
Sports and Adventure.INS Mandovi, the shore support base, has a host of sports and recreational facilities to include well-furnished gyms, play grounds, basketball, badminton, tennis and squash courts; walking plaza and swimming pool. Various adventure activities are also undertaken for the course participants to include river rafting, trekking, rapling and wall climbing; cycling, car driving expeditions, marathons and site-seeing tours. Outdoor team building activities also form an indispensable part of the course curriculum.
Sports and Adventure
Sports and Adventure
Conclusion.The Naval War College provides a platform for nurturing strategic culture and thought. Towards this, the NWC has been continuously evolving its professional curriculum, imbibing best practices, and cooperation with regional navies to emerge as a centre of excellence on Maritime issues across the globe.
Guest Lectures
Guest Lectures
