The NSO Concluded the CEIP & Resilience Course online

By Liliana Serban, ROU-CIV, Naval Postgraduate School Course Director, 20 Oct 21

Last week, 19 participants completed the NATO Science for Peace and Security Advanced Training Course on "Critical Energy Infrastructure Protection (CEIP) and Resilience".

The course was delivered by the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) in conjunction with the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) in Monterey, USA, and the NATO-Istanbul Cooperation Initiative Regional Centre (NCIRC) in Kuwait. This annual event brought together students from across the inter-governmental spectrum in Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates.

For the first time, this course was conducted exclusively online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The subject matter experts joined the students virtually from NATO HQ, NPS, the NATO Centre of Excellence (COE) on Energy Security (ENSEC) in Vilnius, Lithuania and from Kuwait.

We welcomed the Rotary Club to the NSO

By the Public Affairs Office, 14 Oct 21

The NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) is firmly embedded in the fabric of the town and the region and, in order to expand this connection even further, the School is in close contact with regional organisations. We were very pleased to welcome the Rotary Club Garmisch-Partenkirchen to our school and to give them an insight into our Education and Individual Training environment.

The Rotary Club is an organization which aims to support people who need help, be it in their own community but also in the international environment with the help of humanitarian aid projects.

We hope to expand this connection in the future and look forward to a lively exchange.

Team NATO School Makes it to the Podium

By the Public Affairs Office, 05 Oct 21

Eight multinational staff members of the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) entered the 10km König Ludwig Trail achieving third place in the overall team rankings.

The fastest of the group completed the 10km run, around the beautiful villages of Oberammergau and Ettal, in only 43 minutes but all participants were content with their performances and proud to have run for the NSO.

A Strategic Message of Joint Intent

By the Public Affairs Office, 14 Sep 21

The NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) welcomes the expansion in its partnership with the NATO Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence (STRATCOMCOE).

Colonel Michael A. Davis, NSO Commandant, and Mr Jānis Sārts, Director of the STRATCOMCOE, signed a Letter of Intent with both institutions eager to cooperate in the fields of academic research and education.

This uptake in cooperation will not only include mutual support to exercises and courses but also an exchange in subject matter expertise and lecturers. The NSO intends to fully embrace and exploit its partnership with the STRATCOMCOE.

The NSO is proud to host the NATO Senior Officer Policy Course

By the Public Affairs Office, 09 Sep 21

This week, 48 high-ranking military and civilian students, from more than 20 countries across the Alliance, attended the NATO Senior Officer Policy Course (SOPC) hosted by the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO).

The aim of this course is to present senior NATO personnel (some new to their posts) with the key factors, concepts and principles of NATO’s current and future security environment while providing insight into the wider strategies and policies of the Alliance.

Among the speakers addressing the course were an Assistant Secretary General, Military Representatives to NATO HQ, International Military Staff, Generals, Ambassadors and academics; themes included Trans-Atlantic relationships and the ever-changing strategic environment.

The NSO reaches Peak Performance

By CPT Roland Hoffmann, DEU-A, CJ1 Department, 01 Sep 21

Four multinational comrades from the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO), under the leadership of the Bundeswehr's Mountain Infantry Battalion 233 Mittenwald, accepted the challenge to achieve the Mountain Performance Badge.

The Mountain Performance Badge is the alpine equivalent to the Bundeswehr's gold sports badge; disciplines include mountain rescue skills, combat duty, a mountain performance march, bivouac and rappelling exercises, all conducted in extremes of both weather and terrain.

The team was required to operate up to heights of 2341 metres and to scale three summits resulting in both moments to remember and adding to the School's esprit de corps.

Commander V Corps visits the NSO

By the Public Affairs Office, 24 Aug 21

Annually, the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) attracts many visitors and senior military personal from around the Alliance. On this occasion Lieutenant General John S. Kolasheski, the Commanding General of V Corps at Fort Knox, visited Upper Bavaria.

During his visit the General not only took the chance to give an insight into the work of V Corps but also discussed the opportunities for further cooperation between the NSO and the US Army.

In the evening, students and staff members had the chance to participate in a Night Owl Session which draws on the knowledge and experience of Flag Officers and industry leaders.

We thank Lt Gen Kolasheski for his visit and hope to welcome him back to the School in the very near future.

Three-Star General Answers Student Questions

By the Public Affairs Office, 26 Jul 21

Lieutenant General Martin Schelleis, DEU AF has been the Chief Joint Support and Enabling Commander for the last six years, with responsibility for the German military staff at the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO).

Last week he visited the School to meet with staff and students. He also delivered the latest 'Night Owl Session' at the NATO School, where visiting dignitaries provide an update on a broad range of topical items and take questions from the audience.

General Schelleis talked about the risks, challenges and capabilities facing a German National Territorial Commander today, with particular reference to the impacts that the COVID pandemic is having on both the military and civilian communities within the region.

A Warm Welcome to Our New CSEL

By the Public Affairs Office, 13 Jul 21

Last week was very eventful for the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO). We completed our second training week with lots of different lectures and activities. It varied from history classes to guided tours through Oberammergau to teambuilding events.

One of the highlights of the week was the Change of Responsibility Ceremony. With this event we said goodbye to our former Command Senior Enlisted Leader (CSEL) Master Chief Petty Officer Gorazd Skorjanc from the Slovenian Navy and welcomed Chief Warrant Officer Marc Corriveau from the Canadian Airforce.

We wish MCPO Skorjanc all the best for his future and CWO Corriveau a good start with his new task.

Not only a place to learn for our students

By the Public Affairs Office, 30 Jun 21

This week, the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) hosts approximately 140 conference attendees in addition to the new-normal student numbers. For many years the NSO has hosted the Combined Training Conference (CTC), a LANDCOM-USAREUR multinational conference which shapes the training and exercises conducted between US and NATO forces and reflects their commitment to regional security.

In addition to the CTC, the NSO is running three courses this week with more than 60 students from 28 nations including the NATO Battle Damage Assessment Course in which students learn the necessary knowledge and individual skills to conduct physical and functional phases of battle damage assessment to NATO standards.

All our current courses are listed → here

Train the Trainers

By the Public Affairs Office, 17 Jun 21

The NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) not only wishes to offer the best Education and Individual Training (E&IT) to students but to also create a safe, professional learning environment for our instructors and course directors.

To support this internal training, the NSO delivers a Professional Development session every week to all staff members. The lectures vary from how to develop online courses and producing visual media to the inclusion of social media in the teaching process and which tools are most appropriate.

The NSO provides E&IT to a professional standard in support of the Alliance; to confirm this in person, join a → course at the NSO

Expanding One's Knowledge

By the Public Affairs Office, 10 Jun 21

The NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) welcomed Lt Gen Dominique de Longvilliers (FRA-AF, ret.) to present a Night Owl evening lecture. As the former Deputy Commander of NATO Allied Air Command, General de Longvilliers spoke about the evolution of airpower and the air domain, French defence policy and his NATO experience across various assignments.

The audience comprised NSO staff and students who took the opportunity to participate in this Night Owl session, a series which draws on the knowledge and experience of Flag Officers and industry leaders. Many of them used the session to ask questions and to benefit from the General's knowledge.

The NSO thanks Lt Gen de Longvilliers for his Night Owl contribution and hopes to welcome him back to the School in the very near future.

Happy "Festa della Repubblica" to our Italian Friends

By the Public Affairs Office, 02 Jun 21

Today, Italy celebrates its national holiday. After the Second World War, Italy decided to become a republic, nominate 02 June as its National Day and to re-write its Constitution. The Italian flag is a banner of freedom for a people who recognize themselves as united, who identify with the principles of brotherhood, equality, justice and the values of its extensive history.

We wish all our Italian staff members, students and families a pleasant day and a happy "Festa della Repubblica".

Congratulations to our French Comrade

By CDR Jeffrey Fallat, USA-N, Department Director DL, 19 May 21

The NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) is proud to announce that on the occasion of the commemoration of the Victory Day, Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Fabien Le Camus received the Médaille Militaire. The Medal was handed over during a military ceremony in reduced format, near his home town in Alsace, France.

This medal is awarded for 31 years of active duty, of which 30 years in the French Troupes de Marine. For CSM Le Camus it was a great honour to receive the most senior entirely military active French decoration. (read more...)

More and More Online Courses Available at the NSO

By LTC Carlos De Dios, USA-AF, Legal Advisor (US), 11 May 21

In April, the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) and the Allied Command Transformation (ACT) legal office held the first ever two-week online NATO Operations Law Course. The NSO virtually hosted 76 students and staff located around the world representing over 20 different nations.

The course prepared military and civilian legal advisors to address legal issues relevant to NATO military operations. The NSO now proudly offers online and resident NATO legal courses to the Alliance with the next online course to be held in June.

For more Information, please click → here

First Iteration of the Virtual Exercise Planning Course

By the Public Affairs Office, 05 May 21

The Exercise Planning Course has been successfully launched online as the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) continues to expand their online Distributed Learning portfolio.

For the very first time, more than 70 students participated in the online Exercise Planning Course with syndicate group activities made possible via WebEx Meeting. During this one-week course the participants were taught the fundamentals of the NATO joint and multinational exercise planning process.

The NSO's Distributed Learning programme has expanded rapidly and, from summer 2021, more than 30 courses will be available online.

If you wish to attend a course offered by the Joint Plans and Operations Department, please click → here

Cooperation with the Baltic Defence College

By the Public Affairs Office, 04 May 21

Following the signing of a letter of intent between the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) and the Baltic Defence College, both institutions discussed further steps in their evolving partnership via an online Working Group.

Future cooperation aims to provide students with a higher-level of education and learning opportunities with plans to send a Mobile Education and Training Team (METT) to Estonia as a first step.

Both schools are pleased to increase and reinforce the levels of education and training delivered to NATO allies and partners.

Yet Another Inspiring Night Owl Session at the NSO

By the Public Affairs Office, 28 Apr 21

Lt Gen Ben Hodges (USA-A ret.), the former Commander of Allied Land Command and former Commander United States Army Europe, currently the Pershing Chair in Strategic Studies at the Center for European Policy Analysis, reflected upon the challenges to the NATO Alliance in the Baltic and Black Sea regions. NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) staff and students had the chance to participate in this Night Owl (evening) lecture, a series of which draw on the knowledge and experience of Flag Officers and industry leaders.

Lt Gen Hodges also talked about the partnership between the new US administration and Europe. He noted that this partnership is crucial to NATO and that both sides have strengthened the relationship in the past few months.

The NSO thanks Lt Gen Hodges for this interesting Night Owl Session and hopes to welcome him back to the School in the very near future.

Military Leaders met at the NSO to Discuss the Future Support

By the Public Affairs Office, 16 Apr 21

This week, the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) was pleased to host support representatives from USEUCOM, US Mission to NATO, U.S. Military Delegation to NATO, and USAG Bavaria to invigorate links with NSO support POCs.

The meeting was held virtually and in-person as a part of a series of discussions designed to support the NSO Working Group with the aim to update shared support agreements in furtherance of the NSO’s mission to provide education and individual training to the Alliance.

Cooperation between the NSO and the Baltic Defence College Strengthens the Alliance

By the Public Affairs Office, 06 Apr 21

Colonel Michael A. Davis, Commandant of the NATO School Oberammergau and Brigadier General Ilmar Tamm, Commandant of the Baltic Defence College signed a letter of intent establishing the key tenets of future cooperation between the two institutions.

Both leaders are pleased to increase and reinforce the levels of education and training delivered to NATO allies and partners.

Professionalism is Key at the NSO

By the Public Affairs Office, 29 Mar 21

During a two-week residential course, the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) Staff introduced the Comprehensive Operations Planning Course (COPC) to 34 students from 16 different nations who learned the added advantage of the networking opportunity at the School and how this could assist them to work within a Joint operational-level headquarters.

The Course was undertaken by the Joint Plans and Operations Department (JPOD) which was supported by a retired three-star flag officer as the senior mentor. The students especially enjoyed the practical application sessions and the professionalism of the NSO team during this course.

The next iteration of the course is in May in Oberammergau. Further information is available → here.

Outdoor Survival Training for NSO Staff Member

By the Public Affairs Office, 23 Mar 21

One of the NATO School Oberammergau’s (NSO) Non-Commissioned Officers (NCO) had the opportunity to join the Slovenian Armed Forces International Winter Camp this year. The 14th annual Winter Camp took place in Pokljuka in the heart of the Julian Alps. This week long course included a combination of classroom workshops and winter outdoor survival techniques such as skiing, search and rescue, and establishing a base camp; all in compliance with the current COVID-19 rules.

Corporal Michael Bradley who used this chance to participate enjoyed his time in the Winter Camp: “Sharing past experiences and knowledge with different multinational partners has made this trip more valuable not only to my profession, but also how I approach situations in everyday life. What I take away from this camp is the great knowledge I learned here from my fellow NCO’s and I look forward to our paths crossing again someday.”

Successful Evening for all Night Owls

By the Public Affairs Office, 18 Mar 21

This week, students and staff members at the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) had the chance to participate in an evening lecture, called Night Owl Session. These sessions draw on the knowledge and experience of Flag Officers or industry leaders.

Lt Gen Mark Ramsay (USAF ret.) reflected on his time and experience as Deputy Chief of Staff Operations SHAPE during Operation Unified Protector in 2011.

The NSO thanks Gen Ramsey for this interesting Night Owl Session and hopes to welcome him back to the School in the very near future.

First Virtual Tour through the NSO

By the Public Affairs Office, 16 Mar 21

Due to the current COVID travel restrictions not everyone is able to visit the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) in person however we see this as an opportunity.

Last week a Bavarian school class navigated, virtually, through the NSO with the opportunity to interact and question the NSO's Chief Public Affairs.

This group was the first of its kind to take advantage of this option and we look forward to many more online visitors.

NEW Online Learning Opportunities for Students

By the Public Affairs Office, 09 Mar 21

The NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) has launched its ILIAS-based Learning Management System (LMS) with 38 international students graduating from the NATO Quality Assurance Course, delivered for the first time online.

The decision to launch the LMS was driven by the need to satisfy the growing online training demand in light of COVID travel. The NSO's Distributed Learning programme has expanded rapidly and, from summer 2021, more than 30 courses will be available online.

Ms. Bianca Diminic, the Course Assistant, said: "It was exciting to see how students from all over the NATO Alliance, from Norway to Greece and even over to the USA and Canada, were able to learn together online. We even held an online ice-breaker and a virtual class photo."

Further Information about our online courses click → here

The NSO trained 22 Generals

By the Public Affairs Office, 03 Mar 21

Since November 2020, the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) has trained more than 20 generals from 10 different NATO Command Structure Headquarters in the Target Engagement Authority- Senior Leadership (TEA-SL) role. Amongst others, General Tim Radford, the Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe (DSACEUR), was advised of the roles, responsibilities and involvements of NATO’s senior military leadership in the Joint Targeting process.

To complete the series of TEA-SL seminars, General Jörg Vollmer, Commander Joint Force Command Brunssum, took part via video teleconference. The NSO’s Joint Targeting instructor team took the opportunity to answer questions raised during the briefing and follow-on discussions.

If you want to learn more about Joint Targeting, please click → here

General Cavoli visit to the NSO

By the Public Affairs Office, 22 Feb 21

The Commanding General U.S. Army Europe and Africa, General Christopher Cavoli was welcomed by the leadership to the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO).

Gen Cavoli and the NSO Commandant, Col Michael Davis discussed the role of the School and its importance to the Alliance. Amongst topics on the agenda were the School’s operation under COVID-19 conditions and future potential cooperation with the U.S. Army Europe and Africa.

General Cavoli was pleased to see how the School was dealing with the current situation and that students from many different nations were still able to learn and share their knowledge and experience with one another.

NSO welcomed General Norrie

By the Public Affairs Office, 17 Feb 21

The NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) welcomed Brigadier General Christopher R. Norrie, Commander of the 7th Army Training Command from Grafenwöhr. The NSO leadership was proud to present the training curriculum to General Norrie and give him a glimpse into the School's day-to-day operations. The NSO Commandant, Colonel Michael A. Davis, made specific mention of the School's hygiene concept and showed General Norrie the progress being made in digital learning.

We hope to welcome the General back to the NSO in the very near future.

Sporting Successes Strengthen Cohesion

By the Public Affairs Office, 11 Feb 21

Adding another ribbon to the uniform: Two French Officers serving with the NSO completed the 2020 physical fitness challenge and receiving the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) sports medal in silver. All members of the NSO's Hybrid, Influence & Effects Department (HIED) department have received this German decoration for excelling in four different athletic disciplines.

Training together has both been fun and strengthened their bond as NATO allies.

The NSO Giving Tree was a great success

By the Public Affairs Office, 08 Feb 21

Shortly before Christmas, the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) staff fulfilled many wishes of the children of the Marie-Mattfeld Haus in Oberammergau and bought them gifts. The children were very excited when they received the presents on Christmas Eve. Now they wanted to thank “Santa Claus” and created lots of thank-you cards with heart-warming messages.

The NSO is delighted to support the orphanage and hopes to do so in the future.

Congratulations to our new Certified Instructors

By the Public Affairs Office, 02 Feb 21

Four staff members of the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) have received the Certified Instructor Certificate. After having attended several courses and training sessions for more than a year, our staff is delighted to receive this document from the Dean of Academics.

NSO instructors play a leading role in providing the highest quality education and training at the school. Each instructor is responsible for making learning as effective as possible.

We wish them all the best. If you want more information obout our NATO Certified Instructor Programme, please click → here.

NSO Media Training with new CSELs

By the Public Affairs Office, 21 Jan 21

Effective communication is one key to success in the modern world. Thus, media training forms an integral part of the two-week Command Senior Enlisted Leaders (CSEL) Course at the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO).

For almost a full day, our 9 students from 8 NATO and PfP partner nations learn how to understand communications, deal with journalists and master simple interview situations. Supported by professional Public Affairs trainers, they simulate live interviews on TV and radio with real journalists. In times of COVID-19, this of course includes remote interview techniques via Skype or Webex.

If you want to find out more about the CSEL Course here at the NSO, please visit our → Course Catalogue.