The naval postgraduate school: where you want to be!

Navy Supply Corps Newsletter, May-June, 2003 by Richard A. Paquette

Much has been written in the Supply Corps concerning the importance of a master's degree for continued advancement and how critical a postgraduate education is for successfully leading our Navy and Supply Corps into the future. My hope for this article is to reach out to my fellow career-minded Supply Corps officers who are attempting to decide on their path for an advanced degree.

We are fortunate that the Navy offers many of us a wonderful opportunity to continue our education by attending the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) in Monterey, Calif. A great deal of information has been disseminated regarding the school.

Often times it is from the Chief of Supply Corps, the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), retired flag officers or others of similar stature. What has been lacking is a discussion of the merits of this institution from its intended audience, mid-grade Naval officers, who are considering making the Navy a career. As a recent graduate (December 2001), I feel that I am well qualified to speak on the merits of the school to Supply Corps officers looking for that next tour and who have career aspirations.

In the past few years, the Supply Corps has opened up the opportunity to attend NPS to more eligible officers, earlier in their careers. I was fortunate enough to be selected to attend NPS as a mid-grade lieutenant after completion of my department head tour.

My discussion will rest upon three primary points. First, the education that you receive at the NPS is top-notch. Second, the central coast of California is a wonderful duty station that has a high quality of service and provides a great atmosphere for Supply Corps officers' and their families. Finally, by attending the school, you are given the opportunity to meet, network, and connect with many of your peers from the armed services of the United States as well as many international militaries.

Education

Since the NPS is first and foremost an institution of higher learning. Any discussion of its merits must begin with the education that you will receive there. The school is presently accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA), and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools for Business (AACSB).

The Graduate School of Business and Public Policy (GSBPP) and its graduate programs have achieved the distinction of being one of only two institutions in the country earning dual accreditation by AACSB and NASPAA. In short, all tracks of education, be they management or engineering, are accredited by their respective governing bodies.

The faculty and staff at NPS are incredibly distinguished and many have published books and essays in their fields. The professors in the GSBPP writings can be in professional journals such as the Acquisition Review Quarterly, Contract Management, the Army ALT (Acquisition, Logistics & Technology) Magazine and many others.

Over 200 professors at NPS have doctorates in their field and hail from such distinguished institutions as Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Cornell, Johns Hopkins and Princeton. Furthermore, the ongoing research efforts at NPS have the instructors on the leading edge of technology, knowledge, and discovery in their fields of study.

NPS also offers small class sizes and instructors who are truly concerned about their students' development. both intellectually and personally. The instructors are very accessible and routinely make themselves available after working hours for review sessions and extra instruction for all who are interested.

The laboratories available at NPS are absolutely first-rate and make available a great deal of the newest technology for students to utilize in experiments and research.

The courses offered by the GSBPP are both relevant and full of modern examples of business practices from both the government and private industry. Many faculty members of the GSBPP are continually sought after to help the Department of Defense reshape manpower, financial, and procurement regulations and legislation. You will routinely interface with business leaders from both government and private industry during seminars, presentations, and lectures. This continual feedback and interaction with the business world ensures that the curriculum and training you receive is relevant and evolving in congruence with the most recent trends and ideas generated in the 21st century.

In summary, the master's degree you receive from NPS will serve you well whether in a wardroom, a staff position, or a boardroom.

Quality of Service

The Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), ADM Vem Clark, has made quality of service one of his top five priorities in moving the Navy into the 21st century. The Naval Postgraduate School answers the CNO's call in this vital area. The quality of service one can expect at NPS is among the best in the Navy.

The Monterey Peninsula is one of the most beautiful places in the United States. Monterey and the surrounding towns of Pacific Grove, Carmel, Seaside, and Marina are alive with recreational, cultural, and family activities on a daily basis. There is a wonderful exercise trail right along the Monterey Bay that goes for miles, allowing for easy wildlife viewing and magnificent views of the stunningly rugged California coastline.