The Terrorism and Counterinsurgency Course for 2012 will be taught in Spanish with graduate-level English reading requirements.  It is primarily designed for CHDS graduates (both civilian and military) from resident courses held at CHDS between 1998 and October 2011.  CHDS also welcomes applications for admission to this course by non-CHDS graduates.   All applicants will be considered equally.  

This course is designed especially considering the continued education of professionals from Latin American countries.  Candidates from the United States and from outside the Americas are welcome to apply.

The ideal candidate is currently engaged in the formulation, implementation, and evaluation of public policies in the security and/or defense realm, as civilian or military officials.  A focus on combating terrorism, counterinsurgency, or violent extremism, or money laundering and other methods utilized to support terrorism, is critical.  This course is also open for non-government professionals, especially those of academia, journalism, and others professionally engaged in monitoring, reporting on or teaching about terrorism or related topics. CHDS also welcomes doctoral students to apply to this course.

All candidates (civilian and military) must hold a university degree. There are no exceptions to this requirement.  Related or equivalent work experience cannot be substituted for the degree requirement, as the course is offered at the master’s (post-graduate) level.

Candidates must have access to the internet, preferably using a wide-band connection. Candidates must be able to commit to participating in the three-week online phase (to undertake pre-course reading (in English) and on-line discussions (in Spanish); to travel for a resident phase in Washington, D.C. for a period of three weeks; and upon returning to one’s home to finish a written required assignment of approximately 20 pages.  Approximately twelve people will be selected.  At the end of the course each participant will receive an individual evaluation, with grade.  Those seeking a transcript from the National Defense University (NDU) will receive additional guidance to meet NDU requirements.  Scholarships funded by CHDS cover travel, lodging, meals and course costs during the Washington resident phase of the course.

English Fluency
The Terrorism and Counterinsurgency Course for 2012 will be conducted in Spanish with no interpretation to/from other languages.  Students must read required texts in English, plus join web-based discussion groups and participate in seminar discussions in Spanish.  The final written assignment (paper) may be completed in English, Spanish, Portuguese, or French.