CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo -- Two Army Reserve officers from the 7th Warrior Training Brigade, 7th Civil Support Command, out of Grafenwoehr, Germany, instructed Intermediate Level Education Phase I for the 16th Multinational Battle Group -- East officers here recently.
Previously known as Command and General Staff College, ILE is a three-phase graduate-level course that prepares officers for senior-level positions in the Army. Officers must complete the course to be considered eligible for promotion to lieutenant colonel.
ILE Mobile Training Team instructors, Lt. Col. Vincent Buggs, the deputy commander of the 7th WTB, and Lt. Col. David Craine, the special projects officer for 7th WTB, incorporated hands-on activities, group discussions, oral presentations, reading and writing into the curriculum.
"The ILE course is designed to enhance junior field grade officers and senior captains in the art of the military decision-making process, joint strategic planning and critical thinking along with creative thinking," said Buggs. "During each phase they develop operational, tactical and strategic skills with phase one focusing primarily on strategic skills."
Students attending ILE Phase I found it challenging but managed to persevere through to completion.
"It's been a fairly demanding course with the readings and curriculum, but it's been interesting," said Capt. Andrea Nolan of the 3274th U.S. Army Hospital, Fort Bragg, N.C. "This class focused a lot on group activities, which helps us to prepare to work together like we would in a military staff position."
Phase II is offered through distance learning and phase III will take place at Camp Bondsteel. Students must complete all three phases of the course within 18 months or they will have to retake the entire course.
"It's a good course to prepare us for phase two and has given us a broad overview of the current and future missions of the military," said Maj. Jason McEvers, 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment, North Dakota National Guard.
"We are very fortunate to have had the opportunity to take this class while deployed here in Kosovo," said McEvers. "It's been a great opportunity and it has allowed us to fulfill our professional development goals."
Social Sharing