During the Course of each study, the Course is divided into seven groups called Integrated Analysis Groups (IAG). Each IAG comprises 13 to 14 Course Members (four to five Army, one Navy, one to two Air Force, two to three Civil Services Members and four to five Foreign Course Members). The IAGs function in a synergetic mode for purpose of analysing issues, discussions, preparation of papers and presentations. The method of studies follows the pattern given below:-

• Study setting and identification of issues for study.
   
• Exposure to views of experts on the issues identified and interaction with the visiting experts.
   
• Free and frank discussion as well as open interaction within IAGs to evolve a paper on the issues, in focus, during the study.
   
• Presentations by IAGs on their respective papers followed by open house discussions/seminar.

IAG composition is worked out based on numerous requirements like giving opportunity to work together, within different groups, expertise available in the group, requirement of specialists and so on. Each IAG has a 'Chairperson' and 'Co-ordinating Chaison', designated from amongst the Members. Each of these can further nominate their own 'Secretaries'. The Chaisons and Co-ordinating Chaisons are changed with every study so that each Course Member gets such an opportunity at least twice during the Course.

Each study, which is of five to seven weeks duration, commences with the issue of study setting, IAG assignments and a formal briefing by the SDS incharge, (sponsor SDS), of the study. A detailed background for the study, objectives of the study and various issues for consideration are given out during the briefing.

On issue of the study setting and the briefing by the SDS incharge of the study, the Chaisons are expected to nominate their respective secretaries and collect the material for study from the library. They, thereafter, call a meeting of their respective IAGs to discuss the assignment, identify issues for consideration and sub-allot responsibilities for detailed consideration of each issue. Thereafter, the IAG work generally progresses as follows:-

• Briefing of the 'Chaisons' within first three days of the commencement of the study. This is a meeting of the 'Chaisons' and their secretaries with the Commandant and Faculty. All Chaisons confirm or clarify the issues taken up by them and discuss the progress with regards to reference material. Each IAG also has a dedicated SDS who acts as facilitator for the progress of IAG work.
  
   
• The IAG work is usually carried out in the afternoons. This includes presentations by the Members on allotted issues, within the IAG, discussions among IAG Members by way of groups either inviting experts from outside for interaction with IAG or smaller groups visiting experts for such discussions and so on. Some of these discussions are attended by the SDS incharge of the study and the Commandant.
  
   
• The IAGs, after discussions and various interactions, evolve a draft paper containing 2000 to 2500 words. This draft paper is vetted by the SDS and then given for final typing and issue. 

All the IAG papers of a study are compiled in the form of a book and issued to all Course Members for study. Each IAG, thereafter, is allotted 20 to 30 minutes to make a presentation on the issues considered. This is followed by an open house discussion on a few specific issues, identified by each IAG for this purpose. Discussions at this stage are free and without any inhibition to get view points of all on the issues, in focus. Some of the presentations and central discussions are conducted in the form of a seminar with enlarged scope and outside experts also participating in the discussions.
 

AF Briefing Room

IAG Room