PARTICIPATION BY INVITATION ONLY
The Caribbean Security and Defense course (CSD) is the Perry Center’s foundational course, primarily for the English-speaking Caribbean. It is a three-week course (one week distance-learning and two weeks in residence) designed to provide civilian and military participants with an introduction to key Perry Center focus areas: security and defense governance; transnational, asymmetric, and hybrid threats; disaster response coordination; and cybersecurity fundamentals. The course is implemented using a mixed methodology of readings, lectures, group discussions, field visits, and the development of individualized action plans developed by participants, focusing on one or more of the course themes, with an eye to implementing the action plans in their home organizations. CSD seeks to provide participants with a bridge between global trends, US policy, and Caribbean regional best practices.
This course is designed to strengthen shared understandings of common security challenges in the Caribbean and how to address them through best practices combined with international cooperation and inter-agency cooperation.
All participants must successfully complete a course writing assignment that may take the form of an essay, policy paper, action plan or similar.
Candidates must be professionally engaged in defense or security issues in their countries, coming from the following institutions/activities:
In accordance with Department of Defense policy, citizens of “high income” countries (as established by the World Bank) are not eligible for scholarships. As of 01 July 2025, this restriction applies to the following Western Hemisphere nations and territories:
Citizens of these countries may still apply to courses, but in a fully self-funded status. Self-funded candidates must meet all eligibility standards and comply with all application requirements, including application deadlines, as well as being able to cover the expenses of their own travel, lodging, meals, and incidentals. US citizens cannot (by law) receive scholarships, but may also apply to attend in a self-funded status. US citizens and other self-funded candidates should contact the Admissions Office for additional guidance.
Candidates must possess a university degree or, in cases where a candidate does not hold a degree, equivalent practical experience. Military and police personnel must have completed a command and staff course or equivalent. Exceptions are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
This course is conducted in English. Non-native speakers must demonstrate the ability to speak and write in English at a bilingual level prior to acceptance and enrollment.
