LDESP Logo "This academic endeavor is about developing a frame of reference that facilitates clear understanding and decision making in complex environments."

    COL (R) Tomasovic
    LDESP Program Manager

LDESP MISSION

To provide military and civilian leaders an educational program which focuses on US objectives, regional geopolitical, and cultural frameworks in accordance with Department of Defense Directive 3000.05, JP 3.07.3 and Army education requirements. This program gives leaders the knowledge to establish a unique frame of reference allowing them to comprehend a specific operational environment.

We are located at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA. LDESP programs are conducted at Monterey or at the requested unit location or mobilization site.

Contact the Program Manager, COL (R) Bob Tomasovic or the Operations Officer, COL (R) Ben Hussey to find out more about the program.

WHY

An understanding of customs, culture, language, negotiations techniques and the political, military, economic, societal, information and infrastructure, elements of a specific operational environment where we have interests is required. In today's operational environments, military and civilian leaders must accomplish their mission across the spectrum from peace to conflict in cooperation with multi-national partners, other US agencies and civil authorities. This education establishes the unique frame of reference required to operate in an environment where an understanding of US objectives, the ability to determine second and third order effects of decisions and actions, and patience is required.


WHAT WE DO

The Leader Development & Education for Sustained Peace program conducts graduate-level educational seminars and distance learning programs for military and civilian leaders deploying to Stability Operations. Current programs focus on Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo, and Bosnia.

Programs are focused to meet the operational needs of the military and civilian leader through survey courses, graduate-level educational seminars, and distance learning programs.

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LDESP PROGRAM OUTLINE

The program consists of three phases: Distance Learning, Seminar Education, and a Bi-Weekly News Update.

1. Distance Learning orients participants to the country/region and begins the education process. Select the Register for Online Courses button to register for online courses. Enrollment is restricted to soldiers deploying to one of the missions. If you are a family member of someone deploying to stability operations or belong to a Family Support Group, please e-mail the LDESP Staff a staff@ldesp.org to request access to courses.

2. Seminar Education consists of a three-four day graduate-level educational seminar at Monterey or the Unit location, building the knowledge base needed to operate in a complex, ambiguous environment. The residence seminar is scheduled to coincide with the Divisional or Brigade training program and is scheduled as the first event to establish intellectual preparation needed prior to entering the Army training program. Contact the Operations Officer, COL (R) Ben Hussey to schedule or find out more about the seminars.

3. Biweekly News Updates provide information current to the operational theatre, further developing individual knowledge and skill sets, staff integration, and current situational awareness. You will receive our electronic updates once you register to the LDESP site. Subscription is restricted to soldiers deploying to stability operations. For more information e-mail the LDESP staff at staff@ldesp.org

Graduate Course Credit: NS3078 Upon completion of Phase I and Phase II of the LDESP program, participants can choose to enroll and receive four graduate level course credits through the Naval Postgraduate School, at no additional cost, if they are able to fulfill all of the requirements for NS 3078: The Role of the United States in Promoting Peace and Stability. The final requirement is a 7,500-8,000 word research paper. The school enrollment form along with the course credit guidelines are linked below:
NS3078 Memorandum Regarding Course Credit
NS3078 Enrollment Form
For more information e-mail the LDESP staff at staff@ldesp.org