William Bundy, director of U.S. Naval War College's (NWC) Gravely Naval Warfare Research Group, speaks with participants of the Unmanned Systems Workshop held at NWC in Newport, Rhode Island.
William Bundy, director of U.S. Naval War College's (NWC) Gravely Naval Warfare Research Group, speaks with participants of the Unmanned Systems Workshop held at NWC in Newport, Rhode Island. The three-day workshop is the first in a series that will culminate in the development of a comprehensive Navy unmanned systems roadmap. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist James E. Foehl/Released)

Advanced Research Programs

In place of required electives, resident U.S. Naval War College students may apply for the opportunity to participate in Advanced Research Programs (ARPs). These research programs involve group work, individual study, faculty collaboration, wargaming, workshops, and even research trips. From exploring emerging warfare technologies to developing operational strategy, ARPs give participants practical experience that can be applied to their careers.

Advanced Research Programs

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64) fires a Phalanx close-in weapons system during a live-fire exercise in the Black Sea.
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64) fires a Phalanx close-in weapons system during a live-fire exercise in the Black Sea. Carney, forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, is on its fourth patrol in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of regional allies and partners, and U.S. national security interests in Europe. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class James R. Turner/Released)

CIPI Gravely Program

Named for Vice Admiral Samuel L. Gravely Jr., the CIPI Gravely Program is a graduate-level directed research project that guides student research on cyber operations and the information environment.

An unarmed Trident II (D5LE) missile launches from the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Maine (SSBN 741) off the coast of San Diego, California, Feb. 12, 2020.
An unarmed Trident II (D5LE) missile launches from the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Maine (SSBN 741) off the coast of San Diego, California, Feb. 12, 2020. The test launch was part of the U.S. Navy Strategic Systems Programs' demonstration and shakedown operation certification process. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Thomas Gooley/Released)

Mahan Scholars Group

During this year-long program of study students will utilize critical thinking, research skills, and analytical writing in order to apply these deterrence concepts to a variety of realms, domains, and tools.

Lt. Aaron Van Driessche, a warfare tactics instructor at the Center for Surface Combat Systems.
Lt. Aaron Van Driessche, a warfare tactics instructor at the Center for Surface Combat Systems (CSCS), Detachment San Diego, pilots the U.S. Navy’s virtual combat curriculum with Sailors aboard USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60) inside the newly launched portable simulator, the On Demand Trainer. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joseph Millar/Released)

Halsey Alfa Group

This faculty-student program focuses on the tactical and operational level of war at the classified level. Participants use operations analysis and free-play wargaming to examine high-intensity conventional warfare scenarios.

Halsey Bravo door sign

Halsey Bravo Group

The Halsey Bravo Group examines potential military challenges within the Middle East. This faculty-student collaborative group uses iterative, ongoing wargaming and operational analysis as its primary methodology.

Capt. Kurt Sellerburg, commanding officer of the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52), uses a telescopic alidade to take a bearing to a surface contact, Jan. 25, 2020.
Capt. Kurt Sellerburg, commanding officer of the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52), uses a telescopic alidade to take a bearing to a surface contact, Jan. 25, 2020. Bunker Hill, part of the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group, is on a scheduled deployment to the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Nicholas V. Huynh/Released)

Holloway Group

In this part-time program students will examine Russian and U.S. weapons systems, doctrines, and warfighting capabilities in all domains. They will focus on adversary military capabilities, maritime and naval doctrine, and strategy.

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson announces the formation of the College of Leadership and Ethics at U.S. Naval War College.
Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson announces the formation of the College of Leadership and Ethics at U.S. Naval War College and the release of an updated version of the Navy Leader Development Framework during a visit to the college. (U.S. Navy photo by Edwin L. Wriston/Released)

Stockdale Leader Development Concentration

This immersive leader development experience engages students in ethics, self-awareness, cognitive readiness, and mental complexity. Students will also research leadership and organizational challenges faced by the Navy and the joint force.

Amphibious assault vehicles launch from the well deck of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) during well deck operations, Feb. 23, 2020.
Amphibious assault vehicles launch from the well deck of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) during well deck operations, Feb. 23, 2020. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Griffin Kersting/Released)

Joint Land, Air, Sea Strategic-Special Program

Building on the College of Naval Warfare core curriculum, the Joint Land, Air, Sea Strategic-Special Program explores how the military, politics, economies, and cultures of the Indo-Pacific theater affect U.S. interests and objectives, further developing theater strategic planning skills.