Naval Postgraduate School:

Master of Science in Defense Analysis (Special Operations/Irregular Warfare)
Qualifies as your ILE

Eligible ARSOF ILE Resident-Select Officers may apply to attend an 18-month program in Naval Postgraduate School within the Department of Defense Analysis in Monterey, California. The Special Operations/Irregular Warfare Program focuses on counterinsurgency, terrorism and counter terrorism, unconventional warfare, information operations, and other "high leverage" operations in U.S. defense and foreign policy. The core program also provides a strong background in strategic analysis, decision modeling, organization theory, and formal analytical method. Successful completion of this program results in a Master of Science in Defense Analysis and counts as your Intermediate Level Education (ILE) course.

Interested Soldiers should submit their completed application packet by email to the USAJFKSWCS Education Office or by mail to:

Dr. Andrew E. Rogers
Education Director, Clay Hall
U.S. Special Operations Command (Army)
3855 Ardennes St. Bldg D-2104, Room B110
Fort Bragg, NC 28310 (910) 432-5595

Please review the Army Competitive Category Intermediate Education Opportunities and Procedures MILPER for all prerequisites and eligibility criteria.

Application Packets Must Include:

• NPS Conditional Acceptance Letter - Apply online


• ORB or ERB with a current DA Photo
  Elimination of Department of Army (DA) Photos, and Race, Ethnicity and Gender Identification Data for Officer, Warrant Officer, and Enlisted Selection Boards


• Last Three (3) OERs or NCOERs


• DA Form 1618 Endorsed by the first O-6 in your Chain of Command


• HRC Branch Approval Memo - Example | Example(enablers)


• Student Acknowledgment of Responsibilities


• Grade Point Average (GPA) Waiver for Entry into the Army’s Fully Funded Advanced Civil Schooling (ACS) Program


• ARSOF Graduate Program Participation Agreement – NPS


• Statement of Purpose (250-500 Words) in Academic Essay Format


• Official Undergraduate Transcripts

NOTE: a GRE score is required to be included FOR BOTH NDU AND NPS. Due to the COVID Crisis, this may be waiver able.
Suggestion is to include a memo in your packet if you do not have one at this time. It is an ARMY requirement.

For additional information, questions, or concerns please contact the Education Department, Dr. Andrew E. Rogers or call (910) 432-5595.