| Command and Staff College | |
|---|---|
Command and Staff College Emblem |
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| Motto | "Pir Sho Biyamooz - Saadi" |
| Established | 1905 |
| Type | Constituent college of the National Defence University, Islamabad |
| Commandant | Lieutenant General Khalid Rabbani |
| Location | Quetta, Pakistan |
| Website | http://www.cscquetta.com/ |
The Command and Staff College was established in 1907 at Quetta, Balochistan, British Raj, now in Pakistan, and is the oldest and the most prestigious institution of the Pakistan Army. It was established in 1905 in Deolali and moved to its present location at Quetta in 1907 under the name of Quetta Cadet College[1] by Lord Kitchener, Commander-in-Chief, India. It has been the alma mater of many renowned soldiers from countries all around the world.
The College was previously affiliated with University of Balochistan but has recently been affiliated with the National Defence University (NDU) along with other staff and war colleges of Pakistan Navy and Air Force.
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The Command and Staff College is located at Quetta, the capital city of Balochistan, at the entrance to the picturesque Urak Valley. To the north, south-east and south-west stand the lonely sentinels of Takatu, Murdarghar and Chiltan, rising to heights of 930–1020 metres (10-11,000 ft). Lower than the Murdarghar and closer to the Staff College, is the Sleeping Beauty, which takes its name from its uncanny resemblance to a lady in repose. She is at her best when the first winter snow throws her in sharp contrast against the skyline.
A scroll runs through the swords on which are inscribed the Persian words Pir Sho Biyamooz - Saadi. Its literal translation is Grow old by learning - Saadi, who was a famous Persian poet. When paraphrased, it means, "Go on learning and acquiring knowledge until you are old."
The College is headed by a commandant who is a general officer, and is organised into two wings, namely, the Headquarters Wing and the Instructional Wing. The Instructional Wing, headed by a Chief Instructor, is the mainstay of the college. The Senior Instructor Training of the rank of Colonel is responsible for curricular management and programming of all related activities, he is assisted General Staff Officer Grade 2, training 1. The faculty of research and doctrinal studies, commonly known as FORADS, is headed by a director of the rank of Colonel or Brigadier with four research sections, each being managed by a Directing Staff.
The Instructional Wing has four instructional divisions, each under a Senior Instructor of the rank of Colonel. The Headquarters Wing provides administrative support to the Instructional Wing.
Since the Staff College is concerned with inculcating professional wisdom in the students, the 'OWL' was considered, at the time of its inception, to be the most appropriate symbol for the College. The emblem of the College perched on crossed swords. The 'OWL', symbol of learning and wisdom, and the swords, the Greek god of War, combined, thus, depict the character of this institution - the seat of military knowledge and wisdom.
The same emblem was retained till 1950 when the Latin motto 'By the Pen as much as by the Sword' was replaced by the Persian Couplet, "Pir sho, beyamoz - Saadi".
In 1956, as Pakistan became a Republic, the crown was removed.
The symbol "Owl" for 74 years, was replaced by "Iqra", which symbolises the first word of command of Allah to Prophet Muhammad "IQRA BE ISME RABBEK ALLAZI KHALAQ" (Read in the name of thy Lord who created). It implies constant quest for multi-dimensional knowledge, application and effort. This centre-piece stands emblazoned on a gold and silver base which symbolizes molten earth in a perpetual state of evolutionary flux. Molten earth has been shown golden in the centre and light silvery at the circumference since a person of genuine scholarship and enlightenment ought to glow and serve as a beacon for others. The cross swords of the emblem are the traditional symbol of the Pakistan Army.
The Command and Staff College prepares its students not only to handle and employ their outfits confidently, but more importantly, provides them a broad outlook and intellectual depth to deal efficiently with more complex modes and methods of warfare under challenging leadership environment. At the end of the year, our graduate should:
The Pakistani officers who attend the Course must meet the following prerequisites and qualifications:-