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
Sgt. Jessica Shields, a water purification specialist with the 935th Aviation Support Battalion, Missouri Army National Guard, checks the chlorine levels of the water meant for cooking and cleaning laundry during TRADEWINDS 25 exercise at Teteron Bay, Trinidad and Tobago, April 27, 2025.
Missouri National Guard Water Purification Team Supports TRADEWINDS 25
By Sgt. 1st Class Benjamin Crane, | May 1, 2025
TETERON BAY, Trinidad – Few resources are more critical than clean water for sustaining troops in the field. From cooking meals to maintaining hygiene, a steady supply of safe water is essential to keeping Soldiers healthy,...

Group photo of Delta Company, 341st Military Intelligence Battalion Soldiers standing in front of the Seattle / King County Clinic.
Washington Guard Soldiers Support Clinic Through Language and Compassion
By Joseph Siemandel, | May 1, 2025
SEATTLE – A group of Soldiers from the Delta Company, 341st Military Intelligence Battalion, recently volunteered at a Seattle and King County medical clinic to provide language support for visitors receiving free medical,...

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Duke Pirak, deputy director, Air National Guard (ANG), addresses wing commanders and command chiefs at the Wing Leader Fly-In (WLFI) event, McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base, Tennessee, April 23, 2025. The WLFI is an annual event that brings together senior leaders assigned to each of the 90 wings across the United States’ 50 states, three territories, and the District of Columbia to collaborate ideas and provide input on critical matters affecting the future of the ANG.
Air National Guard Leaders Host 2025 Wing Leader Fly-In
By Tech. Sgt. Sarah McClanahan, | May 1, 2025
ALCOA, Tenn. – U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Duke Pirak, acting director of the Air National Guard, and Chief Master Sgt. Joshua D. Moore, command chief of the Air Guard, hosted Air Guard wing commanders and senior enlisted...