First SA Navy Officer Graduates from National War College of U.S. National Defence University Enquiries: 021 787 4697

Capt Francois du Toit recently became the first SA Navy officer and third South African to graduate from the National War College of the U.S. National Defence University in Washington DC.

The National Defence University is the premier centre for U.S. Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) and is under the direction of the Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff. The University's main campus is on Fort Lesley J. McNair in Washington, D.C. and consists of 5 colleges i.e. the National War College, Industrial College of the Armed Forces, College of International Security Affairs, Information Resources Management College and the Joint Forces Staff College.

International Officers with the U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

Capt Du Toit was a member of the International Fellows Program of the university where senior officers from allied and friendly nations are invited by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to complete a year-long course in either National Security Strategy at the U.S. National War College, or National Resource Strategy at the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. Last year 57 officers from 54 different countries participated in the program. Capt Du Toit and 33 other International Officers studied at the National War College along with 221 members of the different U.S. armed services and government that included the Department of State, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Aid and Development, FBI, CIA, Secret Service to name a few. Capt Du Toit successfully completed a Master’s of Science Degree in National Security Strategy.

The National Defence University also provides a Distinguished Lecture Program (DLP) where prominent and influential leaders are invited to address the faculty and students of all the colleges. The DLP during Capt (SAN) Du Toit’s academic year included addresses by the U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, the U.S. Secretary of Defence Leon Panetta, the U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen Martin E. Dempsey, the Director of the CIA David Patraeus, as well as the Commander, U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) Admiral James G. Stavridis.

National Defence University Campus with the National War College in the foreground

The International Fellows Program runs parallel to the academic year of the Colleges and includes extensive travel throughout the U.S. to provide the International Officers with first-hand experience and exposure to the history, values, culture, industry, government and politics of the U.S. Last year the travel program covered more than 20 states and 100 institutions and entities. The program also provides an excellent and unique opportunity for its participants from all over the world to build working and personal relationships with one another, as well as with their fellow American students at the colleges.