The Basic Strategic Art Program (BSAP) is the credentialing course for officers newly designated into Functional Area 59. It is an intense 16-week graduate-level program that prepares its alumni for service as Army Strategists throughout Army, Joint, and multinational forces. BSAP graduates will gain a rich professional perspective on policy, strategy, and doctrine. Through the use of theory, history, exercises, and staff rides, the program provides students with a solid foundation in the skills, knowledge, and behaviors that are required for progressive development as an Army strategist.BSAP is presented in seven modules: 1. Strategic Theory. Provides a foundation in strategic and operational theory. 2. Strategic Art. Uses history to study major themes in policy and military strategy. 3. National Security Decision-making. Acquaints students with the nature of U.S. decision-making on national security matters. 4. Institutional Strategy and Planning. Familiarizes students with the organization, systems, and processes of the Department of Defense generally, and the Army specifically. 5. Joint and Army Planning. Familiarizes students with the Joint strategic planning system at the national, department, and combatant command levels.6. Contemporary Strategic Challenges. Familiarizes students with current and emerging contemporary challenges. 7. Staff Rides and Visits. Visit key offices in the National Capital Region; conduct staff rides at Gettysburg and the 1864-65 Overland, Petersburg, and Appomattox Campaigns.For Prospective StudentsStudents are in TDY status and lodge at the IHG hotel on Carlisle Barracks. Class is conducted primarily in business attire, although some events will require the Class B uniform. The students will be in class five days each week unless there is a federal holiday. Roughly thirty days before their arrival, students will receive from the faculty a diagnostic essay that must be submitted ten days later.