Command and General Staff College

• Founded in 1881: The Command and General Staff College (CGSC) was established in 1881 at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, making it one of the oldest continuously operating military education institutions in the world. • The “School of Application”: Originally called the School of Application for Infantry and Cavalry, it was created to provide advanced training for Army officers who had completed their basic branch schooling. • World War I Transformation: During World War I, the college suspended classes to serve as the Army’s staff training mobilization center, helping to prepare thousands of officers for wartime service. • Influence on U.S. Generals: Almost every notable U.S. Army general from World War II, including Dwight D. Eisenhower, George S. Patton, and Omar Bradley, attended CGSC. • International Students: The College has a long tradition of educating international officers, with students from over 120 countries having attended, many of whom later became senior leaders in their own nations. • The “Leavenworth Papers”: The CGSC publishes the renowned Leavenworth Papers, which are influential studies on military history and doctrine used by professionals worldwide. • Birthplace of Doctrine: CGSC has played a critical role in developing and disseminating U.S. Army doctrine, including the post-Vietnam AirLand Battle concept. • Historic Campus: CGSC’s campus includes the iconic Bell Hall, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. • Joint and Interagency Education: The curriculum has evolved to include joint, interagency, and multinational operations, preparing officers for the complexities of modern warfare. • Distinguished Alumni: More than 50 CGSC graduates have become heads of state or government, including presidents and prime ministers, highlighting its global impact.