While reintegration programming has a history of over three decades and many lessons are learned, the successful rehabilitation and reintegration of members of so-called extremist groups is one of the new and complex challenges of today’s peacebuilding efforts. This course at the Center for Civil-Military Relations (CCMR) at the Naval Postgraduate School examines the reintegration of ex-combatants during or at the end of violent conflict – one of the most difficult yet important elements for stabilization and a successful transition from war to peace. This course also explores the rehabilitation, de-radicalization and reintegration of both foreign fighters returning to their country of origin, and members of domestic violent extremist groups.

When: In Residence FY19 course dates: to be decided

Intended for: Drawing on the knowledge of a wide range of trainers and case studies from around the world, this course is meant for senior level national and international military and civilian personnel, working in countries that face challenges in reintegration processes, as well as those dealing with the return of foreign fighters. Taken as a whole, the course provide strategic planners and practitioners with the knowledge and tools needed to advise on, design, or implement reintegration interventions, appropriate to the specific country and context.

The course provides an overview of the various approaches for dealing with ex-combatants, from integration into the national security apparatus, to economic and social reintegration, de-radicalization approaches, Community Based Reintegration and Security (CBRS) and (transitional) justice processes. While focused on reintegration, the course provides introductions on related topics including DDR, CVR, SSR, Community Security and SALW control, gender and age responsive programming, M&E, and release and reintegration of children associated with armed groups. In addition, the course explores ways to prevent violent extremism and radicalization.

Learning objectives include:

  • Gain knowledge on broader stabilization approaches such as DDR, SSR, CVR, SALW control, and transitional justice approaches directly related to reintegration efforts;
  • Understand and share the broad range of reintegration challenges that Governments, communities and individuals face related to the emerging challenges for reintegration such as de-radicalization, lack of state-wide peace agreements, reintegration of deserters from groups labelled as terrorist organizations, and reintegration after detention;
  • Explore a range of strategic responses, best practices and challenges in strategies and programs to confront these challenges in reintegration efforts of all kinds;
  • Have the knowledge and tools to conduct inclusive assessments in order to design informed and context specific reintegration programs and interventions;
  • Understand how to ensure inclusive programming for the different groups of ex-combatants, including men, boys, women, and girls from the different ethnic, social or religious groups.

Procedures and participation: The course is designed for members of the security services, civilian government officials, and civil society members/NGO representatives from the U.S. and U.S. security cooperation partner countries. Participants from partner countries are usually fully sponsored (tuition and travel expenses). Non-U.S. participants are nominated by their Governments — usually through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Defense — to the local U.S. Embassy Security Cooperation Office.

Interested participants may contact the course coordinator below for information. This course pairs well with MASL#P173019 “Security Risks of Refugees & Displaced Persons,” offered 20-31 August 2018. Pairing these complementary courses can maximize student time/travel and funding. US citizens attend on a space-available basis and pay no tuition.

Contact information: Ms. Blaire Harms, bmharms@nps.edu, 831-656-2177. Visit the CCMR website.