Question & AnswerQ&A (NDCP DEPARTMENT CIRCULAR NO. 08)
The objective of the NDCP is to prepare and develop the skills and competence of potential national defense leaders, civilian officials of various government agencies, and selected executives from the private sector in the formulation and implementation of national security policies, and to conduct strategic and international studies as a basis for national policies.
The NDCP operates under the direction, supervision, and control of the Secretary of National Defense.
The academic program includes a graduate-level course known as the Master in National Security Administration (MNSA) and other special courses designed to provide participants with knowledge necessary for national security policy formulation and implementation.
Military personnel must be at least Lieutenant Colonel or Commander in the Philippine Navy, must be General Staff Course eligible or hold a position of high responsibility, must have at least a bachelor's degree, and must not be more than 51 years of age upon admission with at least three years of service remaining before compulsory retirement.
The Board of Admission is composed of five members selected by the President of NDCP, including three outstanding MNSA graduates representing the military, civilian government, and private sector. It is responsible for screening and selecting qualified candidates for the MNSA and other courses.
Graduates are authorized to use the abbreviation 'MNSA' after their names, wear the NDCP badge and pin, receive preferential consideration and credit points for promotion to key positions, and civilian graduates may receive a commissioned rank in the Reserve Force subject to AFP rules and Presidential approval.
The Academic Board supervises academic affairs, recommends academic personnel and programs, recommends policies on academic matters, recommends conferment of degrees, and performs other duties as directed by the President of the College.
Civilian graduates who already hold a commission will have their rank adjusted to Lieutenant Colonel/Commander; those without a commission will be appointed at that initial grade, subject to AFP rules and Presidential approval.
The NDCP's funding is included in the annual budget of the Department of National Defense.
The circular states that nothing authorizes the appointment/designation of a military person in active military service to a civilian position in the NDCP, as such appointments are prohibited by the Constitution.