An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | Nov. 20, 2019

National Guard captain seizes UK learning opportunity

By Joseph Siemandel Washington National Guard

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. – Learning about our nation’s allies is valuable to the United States military. It enables members to professionally develop while gaining insight into the doctrine and expertise of other countries, which is key to building relationships.

In October 2019, Capt. Nima Sarrafan, 56th Theater Information Operations Group, Washington National Guard, had the opportunity to attend the United Kingdom Intermediate Command and Staff College in Shrivenham, England.

“It is basically their version of the Captain’s Career Course, training in doctrine, staff planning and strategy,” Sarrafan said. “The class also was well attended by international students, which increased our joint effectiveness and best practices while also lending to cultural appreciation.”

The Intermediate Command and Staff Course (ICSC) is a post-graduate course that equips officers of each service, both British and international, with the knowledge, skills and attitudes required for the full range of junior command and staff appointments. It allows officers to step outside their professional specializations, to broaden their leadership and management skills and to analyze key defense issues at the higher tactical level and in joint force environments.

Opportunities like this come up often for members of the Guard across the United States but are rarely seized.

“Chief Andrew Rose was looking out for me; he brought up this broadening opportunity with the National Guard Bureau,” Sarrafan said. “Only 10 people had applied for 15 spots, so I applied and was able to attend. Not only was I able to develop professionally, but also personally.”

Sarrafan was able to travel to London during the two-week class for a cultural day, sharing the experience with other U.S. officers, as well as Jordanian, Ukrainian and Nepal military members.

“I know I learned more about the way that other militaries are structured and their missions; it is definitely different from ours,” said Sarrafan. “If you get the chance to attend a course or do an overseas training, do it. Don’t limit yourself. Take the chances when they come.”

 

 

Related Articles
Soldiers with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team practice various close quarter battle techniques at the live fire shoot house complex at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, June 10, 2025. The Soldiers conducted several iterations to practice movement while firing live rounds. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Jonathan Campbell)
Pennsylvania Guard Soldiers Train at Live-Fire Shoot House
By Staff Sgt. Jonathan Campbell, | July 17, 2025
FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. – Soldiers from Pennsylvania Army Guard’s B Company, 1st Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team conducted training at the live-fire shoot house here during the unit’s...

New York Air and Army National Guard medical personnel examine a “casualty’s ” triage tag before loading victim into the  cargo bay of a 105th Airlift Wing Globemaster III airlifter at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, New York, on June 6, 2025 during a medical evacuation training exercise. The Army Army and Air Guard medical personnel joined Active Soldiers from Keller Army Community Hospital at West Point in conducting a “tail-to-tail” drill in which casualties were off-loaded directly from an Army Medevac helicopter into the C-17.
N.Y. Army, Air Guard Partner for Medical Evacuation Exercise
By Eric Durr, | July 17, 2025
NEWBURGH, N.Y. — New York Army and Air National Guard medical personnel teamed up with their active component Army counterparts from West Point’s Keller Army Community Hospital for a three-day exercise that tested all parts...

U.S. Army Spc. Massan Signon, wheeled vehicle mechanic (91B) with the D.C. National Guard’s 104th Maintenance Company, stands for a photograph at the Combined Support Maintenance Shop at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, in Washington, D.C., on June 21, 2025. Spc. Signon is part of a dedicated team that performs routine maintenance, emergency repairs, and recovery operations, which are vital for keeping the Army's vehicles operational and ready for deployment at a moment's notice. Their work directly impacts the ability to respond to missions.
Why I Serve: D.C. Guard Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic Excels in Operational Relevance
By Ayan Sheikh, | July 17, 2025
WASHINGTON — From Togo to the nation’s capital, U.S. Army Spc. Massan Signon of the 104th Maintenance Company has embraced every challenge with determination and a commitment to service.A wheeled vehicle mechanic with the...