Applications from Perry Center graduates who have completed the Strategy and Defense Policy (SDP) and/or the Defense Governance (DG) course will not be accepted, regardless of the applicant's funding status (WJPC scholarship or self-funding).
GSSD is an evolution of the Perry Center’s flagship course. It is a four-week course (two weeks distance-learning and two weeks in residence) designed to educate civilians about the main tasks related to defense governance of a ministry of defense in Latin American democracies. It is also designed to encourage improved civil-military relations and inter-agency cooperation. The course begins with a survey of the theoretical underpinnings of the role of military forces in democratic societies and addresses the overall strategic context confronted in the Western Hemisphere today. It then focuses on four competency areas: (1) policy writing, (2) institutional reform, (3) strategic planning, and (4) resource management. The course employs several academic methodologies to convey its objectives: conceptual presentations, case studies, tabletop exercises, breakout group discussions, readings, and writing assignments. The current contextual discussions cover strategic competition, climate change, HA/DR, Women, Peace, and Security, as well as other current topics.
The main expected accomplishment is ability to understand and evaluate existing defense concepts and approaches from a defense governance perspective within the context of a rapidly challenging strategic environment that affects individual nations as well as prospects of defense cooperation throughout the Hemisphere.
Specifically, upon completion of the course, each student should be able to:
GSSD is a four-week course, combining both on-line and in-residence educational activities. The program takes place across two phases:
Candidates must be professionally engaged in defense or security issues in their countries, coming from the following institutions/activities:
Individuals are limited to receiving two (2) scholarships to attend in-residence courses per ten-year period, but are free to apply to additional in-residence courses in a fully self-funded status (the 18-month waiting period between attending in-residence courses still applies).
Applications from Perry Center graduates who have completed the Strategy and Defense Policy (SDP) and/or the Defense Governance (DG) course will not be accepted, regardless of the applicant’s funding status (WJPC scholarship or self-funding).
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 2023, 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 Registrar’s 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.
The GSSD course is conducted in Spanish. There is simultaneous interpretation from English during some plenary sessions. Minimum professional reading skills in English are desired for candidates to read theoretical and conceptual materials. English speaking skills are not required.
