Joint Command and Staff Programme 53

Joint Command and Staff Programme - Blended Learning

JCSP Blended Learning (BL) – FAQs

Background, Context and Purpose:

1. What prompted the review of JCSP Distance Learning (DL)?

Following student and stakeholder feedback, a comprehensive review was conducted to address deficiencies in JCSP DL, modernize officer professional development, and to investigate re-establishing a pathway to a graduate degree for students.

2. When did the Canadian Forces College conduct the comprehensive review of JCSP DL?

In 2021.

3. Which senior CAF leadership bodies were briefed on the proposed transformation of JCSP DL?

The Professional Development Council (PDC) and the Armed Forces Council (AFC) were briefed; additionally, the L1s were informed of the workload to be required of the students.

4. Who gave approval to move forward with the development of JCSP Blended Learning (BL)?

Approval was granted the Canadian Defence Academy (CDA) after the briefings to PDC and AFC.

5. What conditions had to be met before the transformation could proceed?

Confirmation of funding was required, as there will be additional resources required to deliver on the intended improvements.

6. Have the necessary resources been allocated to support the redesign?

Yes, resources have now been provided such that JCSP BL will begin in August 2026.

7. What is the new programme replacing JCSP DL called?

JCSP Blended Learning (BL).

8. When will the JCSP Blended Learning programme be implemented?

August 2026.

9. Why is this information being communicated now?

To provide advance notice to nominating authorities, chains of command, and prospective students.

10. Who is the intended audience for the initial announcement?

Nominating authorities, chains of command, and prospective students.

Discontinuation of JCSP DL:

11. When will CFC stop initiating new JCSP DL serials?

Starting Academic Year 2026–2027.

12. Will current JCSP DL serials continue after the transition begins?

Yes, JCSP 52 DL will run to completion in June of 2027.

Purpose and Benefits of JCSP BL:

13. How will the BL model enhance JCSP DL by addressing previous challenges?

Through increased flexibility and engagement, updated delivery methods, and a path to a graduate degree.

14. How does JCSP BL support CAF reconstitution objectives?

By modernizing officer development and improving PME quality.

15. In what ways does JCSP BL modernize officer professional development?

Through flexible, high-quality educational delivery and technology-enhanced learning, such as the integration of professional graduate instructional techniques using the case study method currently used in many leading MBA programmes. JCSP BL credits will be available for qualified students to use toward a graduate degree from RMC.

16. How does the programme provide more flexible and higher-quality educational delivery?

By combining residency periods with online learning and synchronous periods during most weeks of the online learning portions of the programme; these sessions will involve academic faculty directly. Additionally, BL students will have the opportunity for voluntary/supplementary PD opportunities to use JCSP coursework as part of the pathway to a graduate degree, as well as options to attend some of the Experiential Learning Visits that are part of the residential programme.

17. What is the difference between JCSP BL and JCSP residential and what family-friendly advantages does JCSP BL offer over residential JCSP?

JCSP residential is completed over one academic year by students who have been posted to CFC Toronto, while JCSP BL requires two short two-week residential periods along with a period of distance learning that will vary based on the stream selected (one academic year for JRCSP, 18 months for the PME stream and two academic years for the PME-academic (post-graduate degree stream). With this model, JCSP BL reduces time away from home and provides predictable scheduling. JCSP BL is still a demanding commitment. With the support of their chain of command and supervisors, students can establish a balance between their daily work, home life, and their JCSP BL work requirements.

18. How will technology improve virtual engagement for learners?

Through enhanced synchronous and asynchronous interaction tools.

19. What improvements are expected in student–faculty interaction?

More frequent and meaningful engagement via virtual platforms such as synchronous periods planned for most weeks of the programme with academic and military faculty directly via virtual platforms.

20. How will JCSP BL provide a more predictable PME schedule?

By structuring learning over two years with clear timelines.

21. What is the primary aim of the new blended programme?

To enhance PME and prepare officers for current and future responsibilities by aligning with modern operational and strategic requirements.

Academic Alignment and Accreditation:

22. What academic standards is the JCSP Blended Learning programme designed to meet?

JCSP BL will meet Ontario graduate-level education requirements and exceed joint PME standards.

23. How does JCSP BL align with Ontario’s graduate-level education requirements?

It will provide a Master of Defence Studies (MDS) degree completion path for suitable applicants.

24. Is the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC) being considered as the academic partner for accreditation?

RMC has agreed to be the academic partner for an MDS degree completion path for suitable applicants.

25. Can JCSP BL form part of a pathway to a graduate degree?

Yes.

26. What possibilities exist for linking the JCSP BL programme with a formal academic credential?

As with the JCSP Residential programme, suitable students on JCSP BL are expected to have the option to link to a Master of Defence Studies with RMC.

Programme Duration:

27. How long does the JCSP BL programme last?

Based on the stream selected (see Question 37 below) JCSP BL can span:

  • One year for students in the Joint Reserve Command and Staff Programme (JRCSP) stream. (No graduate degree or graduate course credits.)
  • 18 months for students enrolled in the JCSP stream. (No graduate degree or graduate course credits.)
  • For students who apply to and are selected for the combined PME-Academic stream, the programme will take two years to complete, and will include the granting of an MDS degree for successful applicants.

Structure of JCSP BL and Academic Year Breakdown:

28. What components make up Blended Learning Year 1 (BL1), how many residency periods are required during BL1, and when do they occur?

BL1 runs from mid-August to mid-June and:

  • Includes two two-week residency periods (start and end of year).
  • Includes required Weekly synchronous engagement during the entire period.
  • Includes couse section, many of which will run duruingg regular business hours orr evenings.

29. Is Blended Learning Year 2 (BL2) conducted in-person or online?

  • BL2 is done online and will conclude with a wrap-up and graduation week at CFC.
  • As with BL1, BL2 includes required weekly synchronous engagement during the entire period.
  • As with BL1, BL2 includes course sections, many of which will run during regular working hours or evenings.

30. What professional military education requirements does the programme align with (CAF, NATO, or both)?

Both.

Curriculum Design:

31. What educational principles and best practices inform the design of the JCSP BL curriculum?

JCSP BL will use contemporary adult learning best practices and the case study method as a core tool.

Student Workload:

32. How many hours per week are students expected to dedicate to the JCSP BL programme?

Students are expected to commit 12–15 hours per week, but the number of hours may vary between students as that estimate is based on an accepted academic model that balances both preparation and programme time each week. Generally, three hours of class time will be required per course per week,

All students, including international students, will have to work to the schedule of live (synchronous) events, regardless of their time zone.

Student and Chain of Command Requirements:

33. What level of weekly study time protection is required for students to succeed and what responsibilities do chains of command have in supporting student participation?

Weekly preparation and programme time must be protected like any advanced training or education.

34. Are students required to attend residency periods, and who must support their attendance?

Chains of command must release students for both residency periods.

35. What responsibilities do units and formations have in supporting personnel selected for JCSP BL?

It cannot be stressed enough that Units and formations should plan to support students attending JCSP BL. The programme will occupy students for between 12 and 15 hours per week and for those in CAF full-time positions, allowances need to be made to account for this time in their weekly schedules and workplans.

JCSP BL Stream Selection:

36. How many programme streams are there for JCSP Blended Learning and what will they look like?

Students will need to choose from one of the three streams at registration:

  • JRCSP Stream (for Reserve Force):
    • Consists solely of BL1.
    • Duration of about 12 months.
    • Leads to JRCSP qualification.

  • PME-only Stream:
    • Includes BL1 and half of BL2.
    • Duration of about 18 months.
    • Meets CAF DP3 intermediate officer requirements.
    • Leads to JCSP qualification.

  • Combined PME-Academic Stream:
    • Includes full BL1 and BL2.
    • Duration of about 24 months.
    • Meets DP3 requirements and academic requirements for the MDS degree.
    • Leads to JCSP qualification and the MDS degree.

Graduate Degree Application Requirements:

37. When do students need to select their preferred stream and is there a requirement to gain acceptance into RMC prior to the start of the BL1 academic year?

Students must select their stream prior to commencement of BL1. Students intending to undertake the combined stream must submit a full application to the linked RMC graduate programme at the start of JCSP BL. Details of this process will be provided in the joining instructions.

38. Where will students find details about academic application requirements and deadlines?

Additional details on requirements and deadlines will appear in joining instructions, and in a series of webinars and updates planned for early 2026.

39. What academic expectations apply to students admitted to the linked graduate programme?

Students admitted to the graduate programme must complete academic-standard assignments throughout and maintain a minimum passing grade in each course.

Additional Guidance and Future Information:

40. What types of additional information will be provided in future communications?

More details will be provided online and during webinars (to be recorded and posted) that will elaborate on joining instructions, application processes, and programme schedules.

41. Will joining instructions be released separately?

Yes. These will be issued with ample time to coordinate stream selection with CMs and to complete and submit the application package to RMC.

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