So, this might be in the wrong forum, and if that is the case please point me rapidly to the right one, however if not...

Now that TA Junior Staff College has been replaced with Intermediate Staff College (first course commencing Oct 09), does anyone have an idea of the content. Is it a "very" simplified version of the Regular equivalent or is it something else?

I gather it is the same length but was wondering if other than beating my head against the screen over Mk2 (insert version+V), that was any other preparation I could get on with?

Thanks for your wisdom!

Originally Posted by Dry_Clean_Only

(first course commencing Oct 09)

I think you have your answer here.

I was vaguely hoping that someone might have some inside info, but pipe dreams and all that...

Just heard that ISC(TA) is know a pre-requisite for promotion to Major...

When did this pop up, and why is it not the OCD handbook?

My understanding, from the last JSC (TA) last September, was that MK2(V) is the prerequisite for promotion and that most of the students on ISC (TA) should be newly promoted Majors. Apart from the shift to the right in terms of career management timeline, the content was, at that time, expected to vary little from that of the JSC.

Nope, go and have a look at P & P 2009. It doesn't matter what anyone tells you, P & P is the only authority as MCM Div will not allow a board to promote you unless you are jumping through their hoops. This is now the promotion course for sub unit command unless you already hold a JSC(TA) or Regular MK2 pass. So the newly promoted majors you speak of will be those who do not already hold those passes, but have managed to get acting rank for sub unit command whilst they gain the qualifications required to hold their appointment!

I do not doubt you at all, Zenith, but that would suggest that ISC (TA) is exactly the same qualification/course as JSC (TA), but with a name change in order to appear that career progression for Territorial Officers is being brought into line with that of their Regular counterparts...

Originally Posted by zenith69uk

This is now the promotion course for sub unit command unless you already hold a JSC(TA) or Regular MK2 pass.

As well as the mysterious "Sub-Unit Commanders Course", which as far as I can tell, most of the Arms and Service haven't sorted out yet for the TA...

Regardless of P&P, it seems that this has been poorly communicated to TA units, most of whom are working from the plethora of memoranda issued by MCM div, TA Regs, and the OCD handbook (which states as per Tarpaulin's view above).

...and yes, ISC(TA) does indeed look like JSC(TA), with one letter changed!

I agree with both points, first Royal Signals Officer Commanding Designate Course (SUC Trg) will be this July apparently - the weekend before TA OCs to be do the Regular OCs to be course!

According to the nominal role for the forthcoming TA ISC, all candidates are Captains, with only one Major as an exception.

It is the pre-req for sub unit command, and all forth coming sub unit commanders will require MK2, ISC and approrriate Corp/Arm training where appliable. Like JOTAC and Mk1, anyoone apparently promoted to Capt who did JOTES in the last few years will have to now attend JOTAC/Mk1 again, looks pretty the same for MK2 and ISC.