The National Defense University conducts the CAPSTONE course at Fort Lesley J. McNair in Washington, DC.

On 26 May 1982, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) directed the National Defense University to establish a professional military education program for brigadier generals and rear admiral selectees.

Subsection 663(a) of the Act titled “Capstone Course for New Generals and Flag Officers,” specifically required that “Each officer selected for promotion to the grade of brigadier general or, in the case of Navy, rear admiral (lower half) shall be required, after such selection, to attend a military education course designed specifically to prepare new generals and flag officers to work with the other armed forces.” [3] In 1987, the number of CAPSTONE courses was increased to four per year to satisfy the statutory requirement.

[2] In addition to all active duty generals and admirals, some newly appointed members of the civilian Senior Executive Service serving in the Department of Defense also attend along with some flag rank reserve and national guard officers and admirals from the United States Coast Guard.

[4] CAPSTONE participants are referred to as "Fellows" because of the unique nature of the course and the special expertise and qualifications of those officers attending.

[1] The course requires intensive personal involvement on the part of each CAPSTONE Fellow through participation in seminars, field trips, discussions, and the current issues exercise.

The amount of required readings is modest and is used to highlight key issues and prepare participants for indepth discussions.

Their breadth of experience, often gained in politically sensitive positions, qualifies them to serve as role models, to interpret international events and military issues, and to provide insights not readily available from other sources.