What is ILE?
The SGAUS Command and General Staff Officer Course (CGSOC) is for field grade officers and is commonly referred to as Intermediate Level Education (ILE). It is the next required professional military education course to be completed after Captains Career Course (currently SGAUS’ Officer Advanced Course). ILE Educates and trains leaders to conduct Decisive Action in a joint environment and advances the art and science of the profession to support the operational requirements as part of a state’s military department.
Course Scope:
Reason critically; analyze impact of threats, challenges and opportunities in support of civil authorities and homeland defense; formulate a strategic course of action; argue effectively; explain value of competency-based leadership; evaluate considerations in developing future leaders; decision-making and problem solving; analyze strategic logistics; evaluate strategic and operational courses of action; recommend a strategic course of action; formulate a strategic estimate; and value military history as a tool for critical reasoning.
MG (MS-Ret) Doug Hayhurst (Commandant)
BG (OH-Ret) Larry Pinkerton
BG (OH) Gary Lehman
LTC (TN) Steve Estes
COURSE OUTLINE
The ILE will begin in Fall 2026 and run one year, concluding at the Fall 2027 SGAUS Annual Conference.
Phase I consists of completing two online modules to include:
- SGAUS Online PME, Command and Staff I
- SGAUS Online PME, Command and Staff II
- Bimonthly online videoconference class discussions
- Bimonthly videoconference with mentor
Phase II: Students will be placed in groups to complete group project using MDMP / Joint Operations Process, and to network discussing their specific SDF missions.
Phase III: Consists of one day group presentation, with students assigned specific staff positions, to the ILE instructors during the annual convention, or an alternate online zoom meeting to be scheduled.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Prerequisites:
- Minimum rank of MAJ (O4) with 8 years total combined military service
- Completion of Captain’s Career Course (CCC), or SGAUS Officer Advanced Course (OAC)
- Hold Basic MEMS certification
- Endorsement from first O6 in chain of command
- Active State Guard member and SGAUS membership
How to apply:
Applicants that meet prerequisites will submit to the ILE Instructors with the following:
- One page essay describing goals for completing course
- Military CV listing experience and assignments
- Recommendation letter from 06
Applications and questions regarding the process can be submitted to the ILE Board at: (steven.estes@sgaus.org)
Application deadline is 15 September 2026. The charter class of ILE students will be expected to attend in person OR by videoconference the SGAUS Annual Conference in Baltimore, Maryland, October 2026.
