Countering Transnational Organized Crime (CTOC) is a four-week Spanish language course (two weeks distance-learning and two weeks in-residence) designed for mid- to senior-level military officers, law enforcement officials, civilian policymakers, and opinion leaders across the Western Hemisphere. The course focuses specifically on transnational organized crime (TOC) as a strategic threat to governance, economic stability, and national security. Transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) operate across borders and employ adaptive, networked structures that integrate illicit economic activities with corruption, violence, cyber operations, and political influence. CTOC will also consider strategies and policies to mitigate and counter these relevant threats.
This course provides an educational opportunity to analyze transnational organized crime networks and their diversified illicit activities across the Americas. It aims to:
Candidates must be professionally engaged in defense or security issues in their countries, coming from the following institutions/activities:
Graduates of the following Perry Center courses listed below, as well their counterpart courses offered by the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies are ineligible to apply to this course:
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 Spanish. Non-native speakers must demonstrate the ability to speak and write in Spanish at a bilingual level prior to acceptance and enrollment.
