Honoring the Past and Advancing the

Honoring the past Advancing the future of Hemispheric Defense & Security

The Inter-American Defense College (IADC) is an educational entity of the Inter-American Defense Board (IADB), and an independent entity of the Organization of American States (OAS). The IADC was formally opened on 9 October 1962 when the Honorable Dean Rusk, then Secretary of State of the United States, presented the building and furnishings donated by the United States Government. Doctor Jose A. Mora, then Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), was the principal speaker at the opening ceremony.

Our Community

The IADC is unique in the Western Hemisphere in that the faculty, staff and body are international. Broad international participation provides an exceptional opportunity for the free exchange of ideas and forms a foundation for better inter-American understanding. There is no college tuition for participating in the master’s degree program. However, the sponsoring government is responsible for living, and travel expenses of their respective student during the yearlong course.

To develop an educational environment that maximizes each student’s perspective and experience, the IADC strives to maximize diversity in the student body. 

Study at the IADC if you want to:

Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge and applied knowledge of Inter-American Defense and Security issues and concerns.

Develop professional relationships that reflect mutual trust and a spirit of Inter-American integration based on shared experiences, values, interests, and objectives.

Think critically, synthesize, research, and apply strategic communication skills.

Develop collaborative responses to Inter-American Defense and Security concerns.