School of Advanced Warfighting

School of Advanced Warfighting

EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY

SAW is a “problem-solving and decision-making” course, rather than a “planning” course, although planning is used as a vehicle for study and preparation. The majority of the learning exercises of the School of Advanced Warfighting can be described as follows: The student is presented with a mass of information and given a problem to solve. The problem may be to answer a discussion question, devise a campaign plan, make decisions in a wargame, craft a brief or point paper, conduct a staff study, or carry out additional research for an essay on an assigned topic. The process becomes iterative: break the problem into its elements, solve these, relate the partial solutions to the greater problem, identify the question on which the whole problem turns, and finally, resolve that question or problem. Implied is the potential for an inherently greater tempo and experience in recognizing and then discarding non-critical distracting information. The study of military history develops the analytic mind of the officer, enhances the understanding of military issues, and facilitates the officer’s future decision-making efforts. Historical studies are not used didactically; rather, they are approached without bias so that the conclusions resulting from a thorough analysis of established facts can then be evaluated without prejudice.

DEGREE

Graduates receive a regionally accredited Master of Operational Studies degree.​

• SAW PROGRAM BRIEF

• TESTIMONIALS

APPLICATIONS

WELCOME ABOARD!

RESEARCH LINKS

FAQ

• ​Q: Is the application on the SAW website meant to be a template to guide applicants in submitting a standard naval letter or is it meant to be a form?

• A: ​It is a form.

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• Q: Are applicants allowed to submit additional enclosures beyond the three enclosures required in the SAW application?

• A: Yes, the identified enclosures are the minimum. You may submit more enclosures if needed based on your particular situation.

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• Q: Does the application process accept Letters of Recommendations?

• A: Yes, letters of recommendations are highly encouraged.

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• Q: ​In reference to letters of recommendation is there anything specific SAW is looking for or desires?

• A: Any documentation that demonstrates your character, competence, and creativity to excel as a future staff officer and commander.​

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• Q: I am seeking letters of recommendation; do you prefer those recommendations are sent to you and/or the Director by email, phone call, or an official letter of recommendation by mail?

• A: Email letters of recommendation with the resident applications to Melissa Calloway at melissa.calloway@usmcu.edu, (703) 784-6800/DSN 784-6800.

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• Q: What is the approximate timeframe (dates) for the interviews?

• A: Interview dates for SAW selection board are: TBD. Interview location will be Rm 2122, Warner Hall, 2076 South St, Quantico VA. 22134.

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• Q: What uniform is required for the interview?

• ​A: Uniform of the day.

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• Q: How does Marine 0505 follow‐on assignment work to include the whole populations of SAMS, SAASS, MAWS, and SAW graduates?

• A: 0505 assignments for Marines are the same as assignments for your PMOS. That is, MMOA attempts to meet the needs of the Marine Corps with the desires/career progression of the Marine. MMOA works hand in hand with the SAW Director for initial 0505 assignments. MMOA will travel to your respective school to discuss your specific situation.​

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• ​Q: Is there a holistic view of Marine Corps 0505 assignments?

• ​A: Yes, as stated above: “meet the needs of the Marine Corps with the desires/career progression of the Marine.”

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• ​Q: How does SAW incorporate the wishes of the other advanced school Marine Students as it relates to their follow‐on assignments?

• A: Attending another school does not leave you at a disadvantage in terms of 0505 assignments.​

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POINTS OF CONTACT

DIRECTIONS TO SAW

• Take Interstate 95 to exit 150 (East towards Triangle/Quantico)

• Upon exiting from ramp, continue straight to the traffic light at Route 1.

• Cross over Route 1, continuing straight. A small replica of the flag raising at Iwo Jima will be on your right after you pass through the intersection.

• Travel under the archway to the main gate. The speed limit through the gate is 15 mph.

• Proceed through the gate and remain on Fuller Road for approximately 2 miles. You will pass through the golf course.

• At the end of the golf course, continue around the bend to the right and through the stoplight until you pass Little Hall.

• Just before the fire station, turn left onto Elliot Road.

• Go through the tunnel and make a right.  Parking is immediately on your right (parking garage).

• Upon exiting the parking garage, SAW is located behind the Gray Research Center in Warner Hall on the second deck (2122). 

• Google Maps Location (Warner Hall)