Joint Targeting

By LTC Maximilian Katz, DEU-A, Department Director JTIC

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Joint Targeting Video

The NSO Establishes Distributed Learning Department

Combining Forces of ADL and METT will Help Meet NATO’s Future Education & Individual Training Requirements

By LCDR Jeffrey Fallat, USA-N, Department Director DL

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic presents significant challenges to the in-residence model of education and training at the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO). As the Alliance requires educated and trained personnel to meet operational commitments, new processes must be developed that enables the NSO to increase its capability to deliver courses outside traditional in residence methods. Recognizing the increasingly important roles to be played by Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL) and Mobile Education and Training Teams (METT) during these unprecedented times, the NSO established the Distributed Learning Department on 01 May 20, combining the former ADL and METT departments into one Academic department. (read more ...)

The NATO School Oberammergau completes the first NATO Science for Peace & Security Cyber Course for the Republic of North Macedonia

By Liliana Serban, ROU-CIV
Naval Postgraduate School Course Director

On 03 Apr 20, the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO), together with the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS), concluded the M6-108 Network Security Course offered to the Republic of North Macedonia, under the NATO Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme. (read more ...)

Visit of COS ACT to the NSO

Mr David Stoffell, GBR-CIV,
Department Head ETEE

Vice Admiral Paul M. Bennett, Chief of Staff, Supreme Allied Command Transformation in Norfolk, Virginia, USA, conducted his first ever visit to the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) on 30 – 31 Jan 20. He was extremely grateful for the opportunity to visit the school and understand the extent of our contribution to the Alliance in both breadth (wide range of courses) and volume (the lion’s share of NATO Education & Individual Training). He left with a much better appreciation of the unique contribution that the NSO makes to the Alliance. Furthermore, with an opportunity to speak at the Senior Officer Policy Course (SOPC), VADM Bennett saw first-hand the quality NATO E&IT that the NSO provides and the fantastic multinational environment we create for learning. (read more ...)

NSO Tablet Trial

By LTC Stefan Ristow, DEU-AF
Department Director Standards, Evaluation & Training

The NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) has started to issue tablets to students attending Courses in Oberammergau at no extra cost. Students are encouraged to use them while in class, during breaks, in the syndicate rooms and can even take them to their overnight accommodation. Free wireless internet can be accessed in most of the NSO's classrooms with no further registration necessary. (read more ...)

The NSO at the 2019 PTEC Marketplace

By the Command Group

On 05 Nov 19, the 11th Partnership Training and Education Community (PTEC) Marketplace was held at the NATO HQ in Brussels.

The NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) presented its training and education opportunities at the Public Square. The NSO Commandant Colonel Michael A. Davis opened the event highlighting the importance of the education and training that the centres provide to NATO as well as the PTEC's 20th anniversary. (read more on the NATO website...)

Exercise Tobruq Legacy 2019

By COL Ferenc Kovacs, HUN-AF, Department Director COSEC

Between 16 – 19 Jun 19, Colonel Ferenc Kovacs (HUN-AF), Director of the NSO’s Cooperative Security Department, took the opportunity to return to his operational roots and serve as an observer to Exercise Tobruq Legacy, held in Poland. Armed Forces from 20 NATO nations participated in the Exercise including Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, the United Kingdom and the United States; joined by observers from Canada, France, Greece and Portugal. (read more ...)

Change of Command at the NATO School Oberammergau

By Public Affairs Office

On 17 Jul 19, Colonel Michael A. Davis, US Army, assumed responsibility as Commandant of the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO). Vice Admiral Colin J. Kilrain, US Navy, Commander NATO Special Operations Headquarters, presided at the formal ceremony.

Colonel Davis, who has served as the U.S. Military Attaché in Italy in his previous function, highlighted the importance of the NSO as the premier operational level training institution in NATO.

After more than two years as the Dean of Academics and two years as the NSO Commandant, Colonel Timothy E. Dreifke, US Air Force, handed over his duties. In recognition of his achievements and outstanding performance providing first-class training and education, Colonel Dreifke was awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal at the ceremony.

Concurrent with the Change of Command, a Change of Responsibility took place in which Master Chief Petty Officer Gorazd Skorjanc, Slovenian Navy, succeeded Command Sergeant Major Miroslav Dulaj, Slovak Army, as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader of the NSO.

Almost 300 guests and representatives from the U.S. and German Armed Forces, NATO allies and partners, the Munich consulates and local communities attended the Change of Command and Change of Responsibility Ceremony.

The ceremony was supported by the U.S. Army Europe Brass Band from Wiesbaden, the Drum Corps from Peiting and the Black Powder Gunners from Urspring.

Read more about the Senior Leadership of the NSO

Unified Tactical Missile Kinetic Performance Model

By the Public Affairs Office

From 04-06 Jun 19, the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) hosted the very first iteration of the AVT-321 Technical Course: 'Unified Tactical Missile Kinetic Performance Model'. The software taught in this 3-day-course has been designed to enhance and support collaboration when it comes to perform conceptual missile design. (read more ...)

How Do You Define 'Leadership'?

By LT COL Christian Wilhelm, DEU-A
NSO Course Director & Instructor

This was one of the many questions Sergeant Major Tineke Hoekstra had to answer during her interview with the selection board. The board, which consists of representatives from Allied Command Transformation (ACT), Joint Warfare Centre (JWC), Joint Analysis & Lessons Learned Centre, and NATO School Oberammergau, had a good reason to ask. The Dutch OR-7, who serves with NATO School Oberammergau since 13.03.2017, was not the only person nominated to win the prestigious "ACT Outstanding Member of the Year 2018" award. (read more ...)

NSO strengthens Cooperative Security & Interoperability with Ukraine Armed Forces

By LTC Todd Miller, USA-M
NSO Course Director/Instructor

On NATO's 70th Anniversary, four NATO School staff members supported Partnership for Peace member Ukraine in the 19th edition of Kyiv International Week at the Ukrainian National Defence University. The annual event began in January, 2000 and represents NATO's support of senior military education in Ukraine. Led by the NATO Defense College in Rome and supported by NSO, the theme for this year's event was "NATO beyond the Brussels Summit & 21st Century Challenges." (read more ...)

NATO School Oberammergau Concluded the Second Energy Security Course in Kuwait

By Liliana Serban, ROU-CIV
Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) Course Director/ Liaison Officer

On 10-14 Mar 19, the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) conducted the second Critical Energy Infrastructure Protection (CEIP) & Resilience Course at the NATO-Istanbul Cooperation Initiative (ICI) Regional Centre in Kuwait. (read more ...)

NCOPD in Moldova

By the NCO Programmes Department

In direct support of NATO's cooperation with Moldova, a team of Senior Non-commissioned Officers from NSO's Non-commissioned Officer (NCO) Programmes Department delivered education and training to bolster the country's efforts to reform and modernize its defence and security structures. Through the Defence Education Enhancement Programme (DEEP), NATO provides advice on how to build, develop and reform educational institutions to help Moldova build a professional military education system. The NSO Team comprised of CWO Henry Bethlehem (NLD-A), MCPO Gorazd Skorjanc (SVN-N), and SWO Amedeo Di Marzio (CHE-A) taught a program of instruction focused on NCO development and leadership within military institutions. NSO maintains a longstanding relationship in support of the DEEP program through a variety of subject areas including Advanced Distributed Learning, Cooperative Security, and NCO education. (read more on the website of the Ministry of Defense of Republic of Moldova...)

ETEE Annual Discipline Conference (ADC) & CSEL TNAWG

By Mr David Stoffell, Department Head ETEE

The inaugural Education, Training, Exercise and Evaluation (ETEE) Annual Discipline Conference (ADC) and Command Senior Enlisted Leader (CSEL) Training Needs Analysis (TNA) Working Group were both hosted by the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) during week 4 (21 - 25 Jan 19). (read more ...)

Starting the Academic Year 2019

By Colonel Brian A. Hill,
NSO Dean of Academics and Senior National Representative for Student Affairs

The NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) completed the 2018 academic year in December by hosting two Joint Targeting Interoperability Curriculum courses which enabled more than 30 students from 20 nations to receive Battle Damage Assessment and Collateral Damage Estimation training in support of NATO priorities. (read more ...)

International Innovations in the Classroom @ I/ITSEC 2018

By Gheorghe (Gigi) Roman, ADL

Colonel (USAF) Timothy Dreifke, Commandant of the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO), was invited to take part in the Signature Event Panel of the International Innovations in the Classroom at the annual Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation, and Education Conference (I/ITSEC) in Orlando, Florida, US. Panel Moderator was Paul Thurkettle, Education & Training Technologies Manager, Allied Command Transformation, NATO. (read more ...)

NATO School Oberammergau – Naval Postgraduate School Cyber Security Professional Programme Closure in Morocco

By Liliana Serban, NSO Course Director and NPS Liaison Officer

On 14 Dec 18, NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) and Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) Monterey, USA, concluded the Cyber Security Professional Programme in Rabat, Morocco. (read more ...)

The NSO at the 2018 PTEC Marketplace

By the Public Affairs Office

On 29 Nov 18, the 10th Partnership Training and Education Community (PTEC) Marketplace was held at the NATO HQ in Brussels.

The NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) presented its training and education opportunities at the Public Square. NSO Deputy Commandant Colonel Joachim Schreckinger opened the event highlighting the importance of the education and training the centres provide to NATO. (read more on the NATO website...)

30 Ukrainian Students Attending the C3 Course

By Major Josef Oswald, Joint Plans and Operations Department

From 24 – 28 Sep 18, 30 students from Ukraine (UKR) attended the Consultation, Command and Control (C3) Course (N5-35-B-18) at the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO). This being the highest number of UKR students ever having attended an NSO course made it a very unique and exceptional iteration. (read more...)

NSO Graduates win NATO e-Learning Showcase During ACT Forum

By Mr. Gheorghe (Gigi) Roman and Ms. Tanja Geiss

The showcase of the 13th Annual e-Learning Forum, hosted by Joint Advanced Distributed Learning, Allied Command Transformation (ACT) in September 2018 in Norfolk, Virginia, was won by NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) M7-126 alumni. During the showcase, ADL teams from several organizations presented innovative solutions in training and education using e-Learning methodologies. The team from the Armenian MoD lead by Mr. David Ghazaryan, are graduates from the M7-126 NATO e-Learning Instructional Design Course, which is offered twice a year at NSO. In his short acceptance speech Mr. David Ghazaryan thanked NSO, especially the ADL team (Ms. Geiss and Mr. Roman) for their engagement and motivation during and after the M7-126 course, and acknowledges that without the M7-126 course he and his team could not develop ADL courses on this level. (read more...)

Opening of the Newly Designed NCC Bar

By the Public Affairs Office

On 24 Sep 18, the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) celebrated the official opening of its newly designed Bar in the NSO Community Club (NCC). Colonel Timothy E. Dreifke, NSO Commandant, together with the NSO food contractor Monkos & Sandor cut the ceremonial ribbon and welcomed attendees on the occasion of the NSO Welcome Social taking place for all NSO students every Monday. (read more...)

NATO Senior Officer Policy Course at the NSO

By the Public Affairs Office

NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) conducted the second iteration of this year’s NATO Senior Officer Policy Course from 10 to 14 Sep 18. This course provided senior NATO officers with an evaluation of NATO's current and future security environment. The NSO welcomed participants from 21 Alliance member nations who benefited greatly from the wide ranging topics and perspectives which delivered a comprehensive outlook at current and evolving security challenges. (read more...)

NATO Spokesperson Oana Lungescu visits the NSO

By the Public Affairs Office

On 27 Aug 18, Ms Oana Lungescu, the principal Spokesperson for NATO, visited the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO). She was welcomed by Colonel Brian A. Hill, the NSO Dean of Academics. This was Ms Lungescu’s first visit to the NSO during which she also met with key NSO staff. (read more...)

NSO at Tag der Bundeswehr

By Public Affairs Office

On 09 Jun 18, the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) supported the Tag der Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces Open House Day) in Murnau, Bavaria. NSO Commandant Colonel Timothy E. Dreifke, US Air Force, and NSO Deputy Commandant Colonel Joachim Schreckinger, DEU Army, engaged with the public. In addition, 14 NSO staff members were in attendance to answer visitors' questions. (read more...)

International Senior Enlisted Seminar 2018

By Command Sergeant Major Miroslav Dulaj
NSO Command Senior Enlisted Leader

From 04 - 07 Jun 18, the NSO was represented by its Command Senior Enlisted Leader (CSEL) Command Sergeant Major Miroslav Dulaj at the International Senior Enlisted Seminar 2018 (ISES 2018) in the George C. Marshall Center. More than 60 national, NATO and US Command’s CSELs discussed current security issues. The seminar’s theme was "Complexities of the Strategic Environment". Specific discussion topics were the cyber domain, combat related sexual and gender based violence, the impact of the operational tempo on troops and families as well as practical applications and lessons learned on gender policies and national and operational updates. ISES 2018 was supported by multiple lecturers such as General Scaparrotti, Supreme Allied Commander Europe, and General Mercier, Supreme Allied Commander Transformation. (more pictures...)

Combined Training Conference 2018

By Public Affairs Office

From 7-10 May 18, the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) hosted this year's first iteration of the Combined Training Conference (CTC) with 372 attendees from 40 countries.

The purpose of the CTC was to support NATO interoperability and further develop Allied and Partner Nation capabilities for the years 2018 through 2021. (read more...)

Military Partnership Cooperation Workshop 2018

By Public Affairs Office

From 23-26 Apr 18, a team from the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) supported the Military Partnership Cooperation Workshop 2018 (MPC WS 18) in Skopje, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM)*. (read more...)

*Turkey officially recognizes the Republic of Macedonia with its constitutional name.

NATO School Oberammergau teaches in Kiev

By NSO Academic Department

A team from the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO), in close cooperation with the NATO Defense College (NDC), conducted the 18th edition of the 'International Week' at the Ukrainian National Defence University (UNDU).

The theme for this important NATO-Ukraine engagement was "Reshaping NATO’s posture for 21st Century Challenges". (read more...)

Tablet in the Classroom – an NSO Experiment

By Intelligence Department

In support of the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) Commandant's vision to exploit new technology to enrich and improve the education and individual training experience within resident courses at the NSO, tablet computers were introduced on a trial basis during a recent course. The use of tablets was intended to improve interaction with students, to introduce new learning methodologies, and to offer the students 24/7 access to supporting doctrine and policy references used in the course through the use of the NSO’s online Member Portal. (read more...)

NATO CD&E Seminar in Singapore

By Lieutenant Colonel Stefan Ristow
Director Standard, Evaluation and Training Department

From 09 - 10 Apr 18 the NATO Concept Development and Experimentation (CD&E) Seminar was delivered, for the very first time, in Singapore.

The seminar was conducted at the request of the Future Systems and Technology Directorate and the Singapore Ministry of Defense. 25 students ranging from OF-2 to OF-4 attended the seminar delivered by a Mobile Education and Training Team from the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO). (read more...)

Africa Military Law Forum

By Public Affairs Office

From 27 Feb – 01 Mar 18, U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) Office of Legal Counsel hosted the Africa Military Law Forum (AMLF) at the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO).

The AMLF is an annual event which gathers African military legal professionals together to discuss best practices when advising militaries. At this fourth iteration of the AMLF, 27 African officers from 21 African nations met with their U.S. and Allied counterparts to discuss pressing issues which could improve military operational adherence to the law. The representatives from the Office of Legal Counsel of the African Union attended as well as representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which is working with the African Union in Ethiopia. (read more ...)

First Critical Energy Infrastructure Protection Course in Kuwait

By Liliana Serban
NSO Course Director and NPS Liaison Officer

From 11-15 Feb 18, the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) co-hosted the first Critical Energy Infrastructure Protection (CEIP) Course at the NATO-Istanbul Cooperation Initiative (ICI) Regional Centre in Kuwait.

The course was organized under the auspices of NATO Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme and brought together experts from Kuwait, NATO’s Emerging Security Challenges Division, the NSO, the US Naval Postgraduate School (NPS), the NATO Energy Security Centre of Excellence (ENSEC COE), and Georgetown University, Washington DC.

The event was attended by over 30 students from various government agencies in the region. It featured lectures on NATO’s and national approaches to energy security, CEIP and resilience, regional conflicts as a threat to CEIP, evolving cyber and terrorist threats to energy infrastructure, methodologies for risk analysis and mitigation, and best practices on Kuwait’s private sector approach on improving resilience in the energy domain. (read more on the NATO website ...)

Combined Training Conference

By Major Holloway
Deputy Department Director Academic Operations

On 11 Dec 17, military leaders from Europe and the North Atlantic region gathered once again at the NATO School Oberammergau to participate in the bi-annual Combined Training Conference (CTC). The Conference sponsored by U.S. Army Europe (USAREUR) and NATO’s Allied Land Command (LANDCOM) brought more than 36 nations together to coordinate upcoming training opportunities. (read more...)

Visit by Lieutenant General Whitecross at the NSO

By Public Affairs Office

On Wednesday 25 Oct 17, the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) had the pleasure to welcome Lieutenant General Chris Whitecross, Commandant NATO Defense College (NDC). (read more...)

NSO at CD&E Conference in London

By Public Affairs Office

From 09 - 12 Oct 17, the International Concept Development and Experimentation (CD&E) Conference took place in London. The 17th iteration of this conference featured the largest number of participants so far: more than 270 military and civilian representatives from NATO, the European Union, national headquarters and ministries, the International Committee of the Red Cross as well as academia and industry. Representatives from more than 30 Countries attended to discuss and exchange views on this year's main topic: "Maintaining Advantage in an Era of Global Challenges".

The NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) supports the CD&E domain by conducting the M7-51 NATO CD&E course, which trains students in the structures and processes of this academic field. (M7-51 course details ...)

PTEC Marketplace 2017

By Public Affairs Office

On 12 Oct 17, the NATO School Oberammergau Commandant, Colonel Timothy E. Dreifke, addressed representatives from 24 Partnership Training and Education Centres(PTECs) at the NATO Headquarters, Brussels.

The annual event known as the “Marketplace” is an excellent networking opportunity for the PTEC community consisting of 31 Centres and Institutions which, combined, conducted 583 different courses for NATO Allies and partners in 2016. (read more on ACT website ...)

Senior Officer Policy Course 2/17

By Lieutenant Commander Salveson
METT Department Director and Course Director Senior Officer Policy Course Sep 2017

From 11- 15 Sep 17, the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) conducted this year’s second iteration of the NATO Senior Officer Policy Course, providing senior NATO officers with an evaluation of NATO’s current and future security environment. The NSO welcomed participants from 17 Alliance member nations who benefited greatly from the wide ranging topics and perspectives delivering a comprehensive outlook on current and evolving security challenges. Interactive Q&A, panel discussions, and keynote speakers provided a rich academic environment to critically assess and discussed current NATO policies within the context of the European security environment. Highlighting the week was an address from GEN Wolters, Commander AIRCOM, giving his unique perspective and thoughts on current issues facing the Alliance. (more photos...)

N3-97 NATO Collateral Damage Estimation Course Accreditation

By Lieutenant Colonel Kettles
Department Director Joint Targeting Interoperability Curriculum

From 4 - 8 Sep 17, three Joint Targeting Interoperability Curriculum (JTIC) staff members and one member of the NATO Intelligence Fusion Centre Standards and Evaluations office were put to the test during the continued accreditation process of the N3-97 NATO Collateral Damage Estimate (CDE) course. The accreditation was led by the US Joint Staff J7 Joint Targeting School (JTS) and supported by representatives from the United States Air Force and US Central Command Targeting Enterprise. This was the first time, at the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO), that a cadre of international instructors was accredited to deliver the US CDE Methodology. Instructors from Canada, Italy and the United States were also part of the evaluation. (read more...)

Manfred Wörner Hall Update

By Lieutenant Colonel Kühn
Department Director Communications & Information Systems

In August 2017, the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) invested in the renewal of the Digital Congress Network (DCN) system of its conference and course facility, the Manfred Wörner Hall (MWH). The Hall is located at the centre of the NSO main academic building and is the largest facility within the School. It can host up to 240 attendees and is equipped with presentation, video teleconferencing (VTC) and interpretation functionality.The Hall can be also separated into two facilities offering half the seats whilst retaining all technical functions. (read more...)

Change of Command at the NSO

By Public Affairs Office

On 17 May 17, Colonel Timothy E. Dreifke, US Air Force, assumed responsibility as Commandant of the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO). Rear Admiral John W. Smith, Jr., US Navy, Chief of Staff U.S. European Command, presided at the formal ceremony. The Bavarian State Government was represented by Dr. Marcel Huber, Head of the Bavarian State Chancellery. (read more...)

Digital Badging at NSO

By Lieutenant Commander Rémi Tremblay
Standards, Evaluation and Training Department

For more than 60 years, the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) has been issuing course certificates as a way of recognizing the knowledge and skills developed by students during residential and online courses. While these course certificates have traditionally been well received by both students and sponsoring organizations, they were often of little practical value in helping students promote their credentials and achievements to potential employers, colleagues, and friends. As part of modernization, the NSO has entered into a pilot project with Acclaim to offer a digital badge in addition to the traditional course certificate for graduates of select courses from May to December 2017. (read more...)

Combined Training Conference

By Public Affairs Office

From 8 - 12 May 17 this year's first iteration of the Combined Training Conference (CTC) attracted 400 attendees from 39 nations and was hosted at the NATO School Oberammergau. (read more...)

US-German Partnering Conference

By Public Affairs Office

On 26 - 27 Apr 17, the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) hosted the 14th annual US-German Partnering Conference. This conference, which is conducted in a different German state every year, attracted over 100 attendees to the NSO. The main focus of the Conference was to discuss, plan, review and agree to initiatives regarding mutual cooperation, in addition to current and future projects. Attending the conference were the US military Commands, the building authority of each federal state and the US Army Corps of Engineers. The attendees also took the opportunity to explore the local area visiting the nearby Schloss Linderhof and Ettal Monastery. (more pictures...)

NSO takes on the mantle of Department Head for ETEE

By Lieutenant Commander Rémi Tremblay
Standards, Evaluation and Training Department

As the newly appointed Department Head (DH) within NATO Global Programming for the NATO Education Training Exercise and Evaluation (ETEE) Discipline, the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) hosted the first Training Requirements Analysis (TRA) Working Group from 10-12 Apr 17. (read more...)

Defence Policy and Planning Symposium 2017

By Public Affairs Office

From 20 to 23 Feb 17 NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) hosted the Defence Policy and Planning Symposium (DPPS). The theme for this year's symposium was Strengthening Deterrence and Defence at NATO's Borders and Stability Beyond. The event was chaired by Mr. Heinrich Brauss, Assistant Secretary General for Defence Policy and Planning at NATO HQ in Brussels. (read more...)

Senior Officer Policy Course 1/17

By Public Affairs Office

Between 30 Jan - 03 Feb 17, the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) hosted the NATO Senior Officer Policy Course. The Course is a biannual, one-week strategic level course facilitated by the NSO's Cooperative Security (COSEC) Department whose remit is to deliver a broad spectrum of training and knowledge within a strong multinational context.
Guest speakers from the North Atlantic Council, NATO Headquarters, the Bi-Strategic Commands, as well as several academic and political institutions, discussed NATO's current and future security environment.
In this year's first iteration, 70 participants from 18 nations attended the Course. (more pictures...)

COM LANDCOM and CSEL visit NSO

By Public Affairs Office

On 27/28 Jan 17, Lieutenant General Williams, Commander Allied Land Command (LANDCOM), and Chief Warrant Officer Rice, Command Senior Enlisted Leader (CSEL) LANDCOM, visited the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO). The primary purpose of their visit was to address the NATO Command Senior Enlisted Leader Course which forms part of the NSO’s Non Commissioned Officers (NCO) Programme and is designed to prepare NCOs designated by their nation to assume their responsibilities as a CSEL in an international environment and in a position close to the commander. Lt Gen Williams took the opportunity to meet the Commandant NSO and senior staff and, during a round table discussion, was briefed on the current role of, and future developments at, the NSO. (more pictures...)

Training Curriculum Advancing NATO Targeting Competency

By Lieutenant Colonel Michael Buchkoski
Department Director, Joint Targeting Interoperability Curriculum (JTIC) Department

In January 2015, the Joint Targeting Education and Training Programme at the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) was officially activated with the aim to increase targeting competency across the Alliance. Over the past two years, the Programme has trained over 1,500 international students in disciplines from basic targeting fundamentals to advanced-level operational courses. The aim of this article is to articulate the main achievements of the Joint Targeting Interoperability Curriculum (JTIC) Programme and provide an outlook for the Programme's future. (read more...)

NATO CD&E Course in Rome

By Public Affairs Office

From 17 to 24 Oct 16, the NATO Concept Development and Experimentation (CD&E) Course was delivered, for the first time, at the Italian Centre for Defence Innovation, Rome. The Course was conducted at the request of the Policy and Plans Department of the Italian Defence General Staff; attendees included students from 7 NATO nations, ranging from OF-2 to OF-5, representing all Armed Services and the Carabinieri. (read more...)

NATO Senior Officer Policy Course at the NSO

By Public Affairs Office

The NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) hosted the NATO Senior Officer Policy Course, between 03 - 07 Oct 16, to an audience of OF-5 officers and above.
The NATO Senior Officer Policy Course is a biannual opportunity for NATO personnel to discuss current and future security issues with direction and guidance provided by senior military leaders, policymakers and members of academia. On this occasion, guest speakers included representatives from the North Atlantic Council, NATO Headquarters, the Bi-Strategic Commands and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, with a keynote speech delivered by SACEUR, General Scaparotti.
Lectures were interspersed with lively discussion and question and answer sessions, all conducted under the Chatham House Rule of non-attribution. (more photos...)

Teaching Gender in the Military: A Handbook

By Lieutenant Commander Rémi Tremblay
Standards, Evaluation and Training Department

On 21 Jun 16, Ms. Tanja Geiss, Mr. Gigi Roman and LCDR Remi Tremblay presented the Teaching Gender in the Military: A Handbook to the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) Commandant and Dean of Academics. The Handbook codifies the knowledge and best practices developed during a series of four workshops organised by the Security Sector Reform and Education Development Working Groups of the Partnership for Peace Consortium of Defense Academies and Security Studies Institutes (PfPC). The first workshop was held in Jul 12 at the NSO followed by additional workshops at the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies in Garmisch-Partenkirchen (Dec 12), and in Geneva (Dec 13 and Jul 14). (read more...)

Joint Targeting Training in Madrid

By Lieutenant Colonel Michael Buchkoski
Department Director, Joint Targeting Interoperability Curriculum (JTIC) Department

In April 2016, JTIC staff from the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) supervised the NATO Joint Targeting Staff Course at the Spanish Joint Operations Command (SJOC) in Madrid, Spain. The Targeting Staff Course provided 25 graduates with an understanding of the fundamentals of the NATO Joint Targeting Cycle and the various roles and responsibilities of NATO Targeteers. (read more...)

NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) promotes Gender Perspectives across NATO

By Lieutenant Commander Rémi Tremblay
Department Director, Standards, Evaluation & Training Department

At the 2014 NATO Wales Summit, the participating Heads of State and Government reaffirmed that integrating Gender Perspectives into NATO Operations and Training continued to be a high priority for the Alliance: We attach great importance to ensuring women’s full and active participation in the prevention, management, and resolution of conflicts, as well as in post-conflict efforts and cooperation [...] we have made significant progress in implementing UNSCR 1325 on Women, Peace and Security and related resolutions [...] Our on-going efforts to integrate gender perspectives into Alliance activities throughout NATO’s three core tasks will contribute to a more modern, ready, and responsive NATO. (read more...)

NSO StratCom Seminar in Madrid

By Lt. Col. Enrique Silvela Díaz-Criado

From 15 to 19 February, a NATO Senior Officials Strategic Communications (STRATCOM) Familiarization Seminar took place in Madrid, requested by the Spanish Joint Operations Command. The Seminar counted on the presence of twenty general officers and three civilian officials, from the ministries of Foreign Affairs and Interior, as well as from the National Security Council staff. (read full article...)

Defence Planning Symposium NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) and Supreme Allied Commander Transformation’s visit

Supreme Allied Commander Transformation, General Denis Mercier, paid his first visit to the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) on the occasion of the Defence Planning Symposium (DPS) hosted by the School, which took place from 23 to 25 Feb 16 and was chaired by Mr Heinrich Brauss, Assistant Secretary General for Defence Policy and Planning, International Staff, NATO. The theme for the symposium was 'Planning for NATO’s long term adaptation to the shifting security environment.' (read more...)

Trident Juncture 2015

By Lieutenant Colonel Michael Buchkoski, Department Director, JTIC

Between 30 September and 8 October, a member of the NATO School Oberammergau’s (NSO) Joint Targeting Interoperability Curriculum (JTIC) staff joined SHAPE’s Evaluation Directorate in Zaragosa, Spain as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Joint Fires and Intelligence Support to Targeting during Exercise TRIDENT JUNCTURE 2015 (TJ15). As the largest NATO exercise since 2002, TJ15 included the participation of nearly 36,000 troops from 30 nations, 230 units, 140+ aircraft, and more than 60 ships. In addition, more than 12 international organizations, governmental organizations and NGOs participated, including the European Union, the OSCE, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and the African Union. (read more...)

Evaluating Emerging Technologies for Training and Education

The Evaluating Emerging Technologies for Training and Education workshop was delivered for the first time at the National Defence University in Belgrade Serbia from 22 to 24 September 2015.

The workshop was conducted by a team of experts from NATO School Oberammergau comprising Mr Gigi Roman, LCDR Remi Tremblay and Ms Tanja Geiss. (read more...)

Pilot Courses on Irregular Warfare

NATO School Oberammergau (NSO), in conjunction with the NATO Special Operations Headquarters and Joint Special Operations University(JSOU), is responding to a demand signal to educate those conventional forces' personnel serving in NATO staff roles on the unique capabilities and planning factors to bring NATO's "Quiet Professionals" into all lines of effort. As highlighted by USSOCOM Commander General Joseph Votel at the 2015 NATO Special Operations Forces (SOF) Symposium, SOF operate in the "gray zone" that blends all instruments of power. NSO is excited to launch seven pilot courses and seminars in 2016 that bring subject matter experts from the JSOU to explain how SOF operates in this zone. Based directly on student feedback from these first iterations, NSO will refine learning objectives and teaching methods to integrate these "gold standard" courses into our portfolio. (read more...)

Republic of Azerbaijan visits NATO School Oberammergau

An official delegation from the Republic of Azerbaijan visited the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) from 21 to 22 September 2015. This visit was requested by the Ministry of National Security of the Republic of Azerbaijan in pursuit of their efforts to operate an International Counter-Terrorism Training Centre (ICTTC). Members of the NSO Command Group and several subject matter experts provided briefings on NSO's experience in organizing and conducting courses, curriculum development, quality assurance processes and infrastructure support. The NSO's NATO Defence Against Terrorism (DAT) Course was of great interest for the delegation since NSO has several years of experience conducting this course with the support of a valuable network of experts. (read more...)

Perception becomes Reality

Bocca della veritas or Perception becomes Reality was the introducing theme of Mark Laity, GBR-CIV, Chief of Strategic Communication, SHAPE, in the one-week-course at NATO School Oberammergau (NSO). From 31 Aug - 04 Sep 39 students from 15 different nations were trained on the issue of Strategic Communications. The NATO Senior Officials StratCom Familiarization Course aims to promote and foster an understanding of Strategic Communications in the NATO environment. Altogether, 14 guest speakers from NATO HQ, ACO, ACT, the NATO StratCom Center of Excellence, JFC BS, HQ ARCC and NSO shared their knowledge in the field of Strategic Communications in this fifth iteration of that course at NSO. (read more...)

Starting the Second Semester

After two weeks of Academic Break, the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) started the second semester on 24 August 2015, with nine different courses and more than 330 students from 36 different nations. In addition to the NSO staff, 43 guest speakers shared their experience in their field of expertise with the students. For the second semester, NSO has planned new programs, Mobile Education Training Teams, conferences and a huge variety of resident courses. "NSO is starting the second half of an incredibly productive academic year and we have enjoyed strong growth in a number of new programs", Captain Scott Butler, USA-N, Commandant of NSO. (read more...)

Joint Targeting Program

With full support from the Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Philip M. Breedlove, the Joint Targeting Education and Training Program at the NATO School Oberammergau was officially established on 23 January 2015. Prior to this, NATO identified a critical Joint Targeting training shortfall as demonstrated during Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR and NATO Response Force (NRF) exercises. The intent of this article is to update the Alliance on what the Joint Targeting Interoperability Curriculum (JTIC) program has accomplished over its first six months and provide an outlook for the program's future. (read more...)

"I learned so much"

Warrant Officer Sara Al-Sammarraie, Iraq

This was the enthusiastic response from Iraqi Warrant Officer (OR-9) Sara Al-Sammarraie when asked about her recent attendance on the NATO NCO Orientation Course (M5-33). (read more...)

Interview with Ambassador Schuurman

Ambassador Marriët Schuurman is Special Representative for Women, Peace and Security (NLD CIV).

Q: The recruitment and retention of women has been steadily increasing over the past few decades. What potential do you see with the increasing percentage of women in Allied armed forces?
Ambassador Schuurman: The percentage of women in the allied forces of NATO has been increasing, but has been increasing very slowly. In the past fifteen years we went up from 7% to 10%. If we want to continue to increase that percentage we must recognize that having a gender balance improves performance and that it is of critical importance to have women in the armed forces. (read more...)

Strategic Military Partner Conference in Georgia

From 8-10 June 2015 NATO Allied Command Transformation, led by Supreme Allied Commander Transformation, General Jean-Paul Paloméros, FRA AF, held a three-day Strategic Military Partner Conference (SMPC) in Tbilisi, Georgia. SMPC is a core event within SACT’s Strategic Engagement Campaign and gives ACT a chance to exchange ideas regarding transformation with the Chiefs of Defence and subject matter experts from NATO and partner nations from around the globe. (read more...)

Reducing our environmental footprint

From 22-26 June 2015, 19 students from 13 nations were trained on Environmental Protection Requirements for NATO-led Operations, at NATO School Oberammergau (NSO). After the one-week course, some of the students will apply their knowledge as an Environmental Protection Officer on an operational mission. Led by LTC Lloyd Chubbs, CAN A, SHAPE Staff Officer Environmental Management and Cdt Johan Laire, BEL A, Staff Department Operations and Training in Brussels, Environmental Adviser, students were taught the broad field of Environmental Protection as well as the finer details that count on a mission. (read more...)

Comprehensive Operations Planning Course in Ethiopia

A Comprehensive Operations Planning Course has been conducted for the first time at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from 08 -12 June 2015. The five-day long pilot course was organised and conducted by a combined team from NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) and Allied Joint Force Command Naples (JFCNP). The course aimed to assist African Union (AU) Staff to the Joint & Combined level of ambition as members of a Joint Operations Planning Group in the AU Peace Support Ops Division, or Regional Economic Communities and Regional Mechanisms positions. Twenty students from the Armed Forces, the Police as well as civilians from 17 different African countries attended and completed the course successfully in Addis Ababa. (read more...)

NSO attended Military Partnership Coordination Workshop

NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) contributed to the Military Partnerships Coordination Workshop in Budva, Montenegro 23-27 Mar 15. Partnerships were identified as a priority at the 2014 Wales Summit with new Partner initiatives introduced by NATO. Maj Gen Ali Çetinkaya, Deputy Chief of Staff Military Partnership, TUR AF, stated that with the next NATO Summit planned for Warsaw in 2016, the vision was to ‘bridge the gap’ between Wales and Warsaw and the theme of this year’s Workshop was therefore ‘Developing Partnerships, Bridging the Future’. (read more...)

Defence Planning Symposium NATO School Oberammergau (NSO)

From 24 to 26 Feb 2015, the NATO School Oberammergau hosted the Defence Planning Symposium (DPS) chaired by Mr Heinrich Brauss, Assistant Secretary General for Defence Policy and Planning, International Staff, NATO. The theme for the symposium was "Adapting NATO's capabilities: Bolstering Readiness and Responsiveness". (read more...)

Interview with Major General Blotz

During his visit at NATO School Oberammergau

Q: How important is interoperability for NATO - today and tomorrow in regards to the changes in our security environment?

Major General Josef Blotz: Interoperability has been a key factor for success since the Alliance was formed in 1949. Interoperability between all the NATO Allies is a crucial factor for success and credibility. We need to be able to work together tactically, technically and in decision making. (read more...)

Establishment of the Joint Targeting Interoperability Curriculum (JTIC)

On 23 Jan 2015, the first course of the JTIC at NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) ended with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in the School’s Manfred-Woerner-Hall. The long-awaited event was attended by Brigadier General Paul Nelson, Director of Intelligence for the United States European Command, Brigadier General Ole Asak, Assistant Chief of Staff J2 SHAPE, and Captain Scott Butler, NSO Commandant. The ceremony was highlighted by a video message from General Philip M. Breedlove, Supreme Allied Commander Europe, in which he addressed JTIC’s students and NSO’s honoured guests. (read more...)