The Program for Security, Stability, Transition, and Reconstruction (SSTaR) addresses both why and when stability, security, transition, and reconstruction (SSTR) operations are required in the global security environment and how a nation can participate productively. This three-week course is planned to be offered twice a year for military and civilian officials (lieutenant colonel, colonel or the civilian equivalent) who are working in a position in their government that deals with the planning or execution of SSTR operations. It is designed to enhance the knowledge and skills participants need to be able to advise on their nation's contributions to current and potential multinational SSTR operations.
SSTaR is focused on developing among participants a common understanding of SSTR operations: the challenges inherent to SSTR, the basic organizational and operational requirements of successful SSTR operations, and the capacity-building resources available to participant nations.
The course emphasizes the multinational and interagency aspects of SSTR and encourages the exchange of information, ideas and best practices among participants. By serving as a multinational forum, SSTaR provides participants the opportunity to contribute to the evolving doctrine and operating concepts of SSTR and to develop a network of colleagues in other ministries and countries to facilitate the planning and execution of SSTR operations.
The academic program for SSTaR consists of four educational modules:
- Setting the strategic context-the contemporary environment
- The interagency dimension
- Building host nation capacity and legitimacy
- The capstone exercise
The course includes lectures, seminars, case studies and the culminating exercise that summarizes and synthesizes the knowledge and skills built during the course.
