The Navy Supply Corps School (NSCS) welcomed the 155th International Officer Supply Course (IOSCO) on Sept. 16, 2024, marking another step forward in the U.S. Navy's mission to strengthen global partnerships. IOSCO’s biannual, nine-week course embarks international officers on a journey of professional development, cultural exchange, and hands-on experiences designed to enhance international logistics cooperation and partnerships and to familiarize the officers with U.S. Navy logistics, supply chain management, and Foreign Military Sales (FMS). With its blend of rigorous academics, and immersive Field Studies Program (FSP) events, IOSCO continues to reinforce the bonds that make a unified global maritime force possible.

A Diverse Cohort of International Leaders

During IOSCO 155, officers represented 12 countries, spanning four different continents. The visiting officers possessed vastly different military backgrounds, including logistics, aviation, engineering, and surface warfare. With this unique mix of cultures and professional expertise, it was easy to foster an environment of mutual learning and collaboration.

Chilean Navy’s LCDR Jose Ferrer said, “During the IOSCO course, I was able to learn about logistics processes and procedures required for proper supply chain management for Foreign Military Sales. The IOSCO course also had double importance for me, since I was commissioned by the Chilean Navy to represent it for two years at the NAVSUP Weapons Systems Support for FMS, and being able to meet my future international work team up close and in advance when we visited Philadelphia was invaluable. IOSCO was an incredible experience.”

Engaging Curriculum

The first five weeks of the course are comprised of classroom-based lectures. Students receive introductions to U.S. history, government, and military structure. As they progress through the course, the material becomes more rigorous and supply-oriented. Students learn about the integrated supply system, focusing on Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP), Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), and their roles in the FMS process. Many IOSCO topics overlap with those in the Basic Qualification Course (BQC). For example, students are expected to read and interpret MILSTRIP documents.

The sixth week is dedicated to student-delivered briefs on their respective countries’ government, military, language, and culture. The fall cohort was particularly remarkable as it facilitated 12 countries sharing traditional food, customs, and family life.

Following the country presentations, students and staff hit the road! The most anticipated course component is the three-week field trip to major Naval hubs along the East Coast. This immersive experience exposes participants directly to the scale and complexity of Navy operations. On this occasion, the itinerary included:

• Philadelphia, Pa.: The group visited NAVSUP Weapons Systems Support (WSS), and had the irreplaceable opportunity to connect with Subject Matter Experts (SME) and Security Assistance Foreign Representatives (SAFR) to learn about FMS operations firsthand.
• New Cumberland, Pa.: At DLA Distribution Susquehanna, participants learned about global logistics and inventory management strategies and witnessed ongoing large-scale modernization efforts.
• Annapolis, Md.: The cohort visited the U.S. Naval Academy, where they engaged with Midshipmen and gained insights into leadership development and Naval heritage.
• Washington, D.C.: A stop in the nation’s capital provided a rare opportunity to witness the democratic process coinciding with our 2024 Presidential election.
• Norfolk, Va.: As the home of the U.S. Navy’s largest fleet concentration, Norfolk offered participants a firsthand look at various active Naval vessels and support facilities, including USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), USS San Antonio (LPD 17), NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center (FLC), DLA Distribution, HSC-5, and two Military Sealift Command vessels.
• New York, N.Y.: The trip concluded with a visit to the “Big Apple,” where students got a deeper dive into American culture and history, including FSP events at the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the 9/11 Memorial.

Building Partnerships and Friendships

Beyond the technical training and FSP events, IOSCO serves as a platform for building lasting partnerships among international officers. All students left with new friendships, and some even learned new languages. The shared experience of being in a new country and going through a rigorous course brought the officers together and created a bond felt throughout NSCS. The students heavily involved themselves with the “courses downstairs” by participating in a joint kickball tournament and contributing to the Hispanic Heritage Month potluck. The 155th IOSCO class made a lasting impression on the schoolhouse staff and students alike, making it hard for many to say goodbye when they parted.

A Bright Future of Collaboration

The IOSCO program not only trains and equips students to improve logistics in their home countries, but it also emphasizes the importance of international collaboration to fight effectively on a globalized battlefield. As the Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Lisa Franchetti emphasized, “There is no scenario in which we fight a major conflict alone.” (CNO NAVPLAN 2024, p. 15.)

NSCS continues to play a critical role in fostering strong relationships and driving “interoperability with our Allies and partners to deliver combined lethality” (America’s Warfighting Navy). This past cohort demonstrated that learning training material is just one piece of the puzzle. Lasting relationships develop when human connections are made. The course is a testament to the power of partnership and a shared commitment to Naval excellence.