Detailed Program Information: 

PASS in 2022 will include a virtual and resident element. The course will begin with a virtual IT-testing session on 8 September 2022, followed by two weeks of daily virtual engagement from 8-23 September. Authorized participants will then travel to Garmisch-Partenkirchen on 25-26 September to attend a 8-week resident course phase, ending with graduation on 22 November.

The PASS includes modules in International Security Studies foundations, the contemporary security environment, current and future challenges, and mitigation strategies. It provides opportunities for application and analysis as well as a one day field study to the NS Documentation Center in Munich and some topic driven exercises in resident seminars. PASS offers a learning environment in various formats: virtual and resident lectures with Q&A, resident seminars, panels, electives, a one-day field study, a possibility to write a mandatory Research Essay and direct interaction with prominent diplomats, politicians and military leaders during the “Berlin/Washington Week in Garmisch-Partenkirchen”. Seminar discussions during the resident phase are the most critical aspect of PASS and require an informed, engaged, and diverse participant body to be successful.

Virtual PASS Information:

Detailed instructions for the PASS virtual online 2-week course will be emailed directly to the participants along with the confirmation letter.  For GCMC virtual events, participants will need a computer with a broadband connection, a microphone and webcam. There will likely be a dial-in audio conference bridge as well in case students are unable to attend via the virtual meeting platform.

Resident PASS Information:

A sequence of events document will be delivered directly to the participants along with the confirmation letter. As soon as they are able to enter the online course website, they will have access to the detailed calendar.

Participant Profile:

To ensure program and seminar effectiveness, we are looking for security professionals at an early stage of their career, with 5-15 years of government service. They may be civilian government officials, government academics, or members of the security services. Please consider candidates from, but not limited to, academia, law enforcement, and ministries of interior, foreign affairs, economic development and defense. We are looking for a balanced gender distribution.

Language Requirement:

The PASS course is offered in English only and the required ECL is 80+ or the equivalent level ALCPT, NATO STANAG, TOEFL, CEFR or university courses.  If ECL testing is not possible given COVID-19 restrictions, GCMC can waive the ECL and will accept verification of oral proficiency from the Embassy. For a limited amount of participants we will offer an Enhanced Learning English Course (ELEC) in advance of PASS to reach the required ECL.