How do I sign up for the course?
You can’t simply “sign up” for the RCNSC. Each service controls course quotas and authorizes funded orders to attend. Some services have selection boards. Contact your service representative listed on the “Application Points of Contact” tab to determine your eligibility or for any questions.
What is the start time on Monday?
In-processing will be conducted at National Defense University on the first The walk from the hotel should take approximately 20 minutes.
What is the attire for the course?
The attire for the course ranges from Civilian Business Casual (button down collar shirt, polo, trousers, slacks, blouses, dresses, knee-length skirts, professional footwear) to Civilian Business Formal (business suit or sport coat and tie for men and business suit with pants or skirt, professional footwear for women). NO CASUAL CLOTHES including jeans, t-shirts, cargo pants, athletic footwear, etc. and NO MILITARY UNIFORMS. Civilian Business Formal is only required on two days: Capitol Hill Day, and the day of the GO/FO Panel, typically Tuesday and Thursday of the second week. All other days, the uniform of the day will be business casual. The desired outcome is for greater interaction among students without regard to rank. We recommend you prepare for a variety of conditions and check the Washington weather forecast prior to your departure.
Where do I park if I am local and plan on driving to the University?
There are parking spaces at the University, however the most convenient spaces fill up quickly. Do not park in the reserved spaces, as you will be ticketed or towed. Metro transportation is not readily accessible to NDU and Fort McNair. The nearest metro station is the Green Line Waterfront Metro Station approximately 3/4 mile to Fort McNair, and another 1/2 mile to Lincoln Hall.
I am a local student and driving to Capitol Hill – where do I park?
During Capitol Hill Day, the duty location will not be Ft McNair, but Capitol Hill. Therefore, local area students must arrange their own transportation to the Capitol. Local area students can park at a metro station and then metro to the Union station; from there it is a 6–8-minute walk to Capitol Hill. Students can also drive their POVs and park at Union Station for a fee. Students may also drive their POVs to Ft McNair and take the first student bus if there is space available, or taxi or Uber from Ft McNair to Capitol Hill.
What is the best airport to use?
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is the most convenient airport. DCA has an adjacent Metro stop. Alternative airports are Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Baltimore Washington International (BWI).
Is there transportation available from the airport?
Upon arrival to DCA, students will make their own transportation arrangements from DCA to the hotel. Options are metro, taxi or Uber.
If you are local and driving to NDU, there is free parking at Lincoln Hall, Building 64. If you are staying at the hotel, there is paid parking at the hotel. Other options for transportation around DC are the Washington Metro, Car 2 Go, Uber, Lyft, and DC Bike Share; a rental car is not required.
Can I have a rental car?
If a service or sponsoring command is willing to pay for rental car, or you pay out of pocket, you can have one. Keep in mind that the hotel changes a daily parking fee. If you are a local student driving in daily, there is room for you to park at NDU. Additionally, you have the option of parking at NDU and then walking back and forth to the hotel if you are staying at the hotel. This will save you the hotel parking fee.
Daily Transportation to Fort McNair (National Defense University)
The Hyatt House Washington, D.C. – There will be a bus to provide transportation from the hotel to NDU and back each day. If you choose to walk, the Wharf is approximately a 20-minute walk to the Fort McNair 2nd Street Gate. Students may wish to wear walking shoes and change into professional footwear upon arrival at NDU.
Course Evaluation: Students will be asked to complete a survey at the end of Week 1 and Week 2.
Who makes the reservation at the hotel?
If you are selected by your service to attend, we will email you the internet link to make your reservation. You must make your own guaranteed reservation. All expenses are handled through the hotel via the credit card you provide at registration. The room rate is adjusted per the established per diem rates.
Is there anything I need to read before I arrive?
The advanced readings are posted on the RCNSC website https://rcnsc.ndu.edu/. Additional required and recommended readings are provided by our lecturers and will be available at least one month prior to the course. Please review the website periodically for updates. Note that your National Security Assessment Paper is due on the first day of the course. See pre-course assignment page.
What/When is Capitol Hill Day?
Capitol Hill Day is a unique opportunity to engage a Congressional Staff panel, an interactive presentation by a sitting member of Congress (when available), and a Capitol Hill tour. There is time for you to schedule an afternoon meeting with a member of either the House of Representatives or Senate, and/or your military legislative assistant, availability permitting. Capitol Hill Day normally is set up for the 2nd Tuesday of the course, dependent on scheduling considerations.
To schedule a meeting with your Representative and/or Senator, look up your members website and call the office scheduler. Inform the member’s staff that “you are both a Reservist and a constituent,” and will be on Capitol Hill as part of the Reserve Component National Security Course at NDU and want to make a 10-15 minute courtesy call on the member or his military legislative assistant. Please be aware that scheduling this call may fluctuate depending on our speakers for the day.
On Capitol Hill Day, local students will be responsible for finding their own way to Capitol Hill.
Where is the course conducted?
The course is typically held in Lincoln Hall, building 64, at the National Defense University, located on Fort Lesley McNair 260 5th Avenue SW Washington, DC 20319-5066. Any location changes will be specified in your welcome aboard letter. Please see the directions tab for how to enter Fort McNair. All of your classes and seminars are held on post, with the exception of Capitol Hill Day.
Do I need a security clearance?
RCNSC attendees do not need a security clearance.
Are there workout facilities available?
Fort McNair has a Fitness Center adjacent to Lincoln Hall. A fitness center is also available at the contract hotel.
Is there WiFi or Internet for students? There is WiFi available for RCNSC students, however, no access to printers. Students may bring their own smart phones and use their own cellular data plans for Internet access as well.
Can I bring my family?
It is not uncommon for families to visit but more so during the summer course. You will not have much time after class during the week. The middle weekend you will be available after 12PM. Sunday is a non-working day. If you are bringing your family, you may opt for alternative lodging to accommodate more people. For alternative lodging options--see the lodging tab.
What is the average day like?
The days are long with additional required reading at night. The average day is a seminar session in the morning, followed by two briefings and another seminar session before lunch. Lunch is followed by two more briefings and an afternoon seminar session.
Where do we eat?
Lunch Options (North campus):
- Installation Food: Two choices of hot entrées with sides, sold by the vendor from a table in the NDU Café (as long as they last).
- Subway: Order online for pickup or wait in line in the café.
- SweetGreen: SweetGreen is available via phone app and online ordering. Select the NDU outpost to make your order. SweetGreen order pick-up is in the lockers on the Marshall Hall loading dock on the Second Street side of the building. *NOTE: Until further notice, all orders placed with Uber Eats must be picked up in person at the Second Street main gate.
All other restaurants are off base near the hotel, which is about a 15-20 minute walk.
There are local restaurants within walking distance of the hotel. RCNSC also has coffee and tea available through an optional landing fee for all participants.
Are there laundry facilities at the hotel?
There are no personal laundry facilities in the hotel, but they offer valet laundry and dry-cleaning services.
What is NDU’s Non-Attribution Policy? What does it mean to me?
Information gained during lectures, briefings, panels, and discussion seminars may be used, but neither the speaker nor any element of the University may be identified as the originator or source of the information without the express consent of both parties. This policy is in effect for both on-campus lectures and off-campus visits, such as to Capitol Hill. Additionally, neither the speaker nor any element of the University may be identified as the originator or source of the information without the express consent of both parties. The non-attribution policy is morally binding on everyone who attends the lectures. If you have questions concerning this policy or cannot abide by it, you must report this to the Course Administrator before attending any lecture or other course event.
When will I be able to depart?
The course concludes no later than 1200 on the second Friday. Please do NOT plan your departure flight before 1500. Often, we have students schedule an early Friday departure flight and subsequently need to reschedule. On occasion students traveling long distances will need to depart Saturday AM. We recommend using the Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C. because it is the closest airport to NDU.
Can I miss a day for a scheduled meeting or family event?
We only approve excused absences in emergency cases. If a student misses class time, the course director will disenroll the member from the course. Members can contact their service representatives to enroll in a follow-on RCNSC class date.