Historical Background
The Junior Division of GAFCSC began on 14 October 1963 as part of the Military Academy and Training Schools. It evolved through the National War College, National Defence College, and Junior Defence College before becoming the Junior Division of GAFCSC in 1976.
The scope of the division has been refined over the years to place greater emphasis on staff training for Grade 3 appointments while reducing the command-and-tactics component. The course now serves both Ghanaian and allied African officers.
Course Aim
The Junior Staff Course aims to enhance the leadership, analytical, and communication skills of junior-level officers for command and staff functions through research and structured exposure to single, joint, and combined operations, as well as lower-level defence, economic, and geopolitical issues.
Course Objectives
- Understand the techniques used in staff work
- Understand the structure, roles, and functions of the Ghana Armed Forces
- Understand sub-unit training and become familiar with unit and formation training
- Understand domestic and international issues affecting stability and security
- Understand the relationship between command, leadership, and management
- Understand the logistics process in peace and war
- Develop the physical, social, and spiritual qualities of junior officers
Instruction and Curriculum
The Junior Staff Course is structured in two terms of eight weeks each. The programme uses lectures, seminars, syndicate room discussions, map exercises, films, environmental studies tours, and assessed written work.
Key Academic Areas
- Grounding and foundation work in Term 1
- Harnessing and consolidation of knowledge in Term 2
- Environmental study tours with oral presentations and written reports
- Structured academic ethics and anti-plagiarism expectations
- Validation through student feedback mechanisms and course evaluation
Operational Development
The counterinsurgency and internal security phase strengthens the ability of students to work across security services, establish joint headquarters, and understand the staff procedures tied to internal security and law-and-order operations.
Participants
- Ghana Police Service
- Ghana Prisons Service
- Ghana Fire Service