NSO > Media

News Overview

2020

The NSO Command Group explains the COVID-safety measures

Landrat Speer and Mayor Rödl at the NSO

By the Public Affairs Office

The NATO School Oberammergau welcomed Landrat Anton Speer and the Mayor of Oberammergau, Andreas Rödl to the School.

An important topic for this meeting was the School's operation under COVID-conditions and the associated hygiene concept. Following the visit, both politicians were confident the international students were in very safe hands.

Speer and Rödl were also pleased with the involvement of the international families within the community. "This diversity of languages, nations and customs is what makes the town so unique," said Rödl during his visit to the School.

LTC Christian Wilhelm (NSO) delivers tailored training

NSO Instructor visits Rome for Strategic Communications Training

By the Public Affairs Office

The NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) and the NATO Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence sent a Mobile Education and Training Team (METT) to Rome to deliver tailored training in NATO Senior Official Strategic Communications to MGEN Nicola Zanelli and BGEN Beniamino Vergori of the Italian General Staff of the Army Headquarters. The SHAPE Communications Directorate also delivered an update on the Information Environment in Afghanistan via VTC; both generals are to deploy there soon. MGEN Zanelli, the designated DCOM RSM, expressed his gratitude to the respective StratCom SMEs to make this tailored solution possible. The NSO’s Hybrid, Influence & Effects Department (HIED) is looking forward to welcoming both as Senior Speakers to Oberammergau in 2021.

NATO-ICI Regional Centre Kuwait

Online Cyber METT delivered to the NATO-ICI Regional Centre Kuwait

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

On 24 Sep 20, the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO), in partnership with the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) and the NATO-Istanbul Cooperation Initiative (ICI) Regional Centre, Kuwait, concluded the Introduction to Network Security Course under the auspices of the NATO Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme.

The two-week Mobile Education and Training Team (METT) course was conducted exclusively online in order to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and attracted 19 students from Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) General Secretariat.

The course addressed three major topics: networking, basic principles (INFOSEC, Filtering and Cryptology) and recognizing/blocking the “bad” bits (Traffic Analysis and Filtering); it will be followed by the Introduction to Network Vulnerability Assessment Course 29 Nov -10 Dec 20.

For further interest, please visit the NATO SPS link below:
https://twitter.com/NATO_SPS/status/1309147852057313284

Major Dr. Francesco Galvano

Behaviour Analysis lectures at the NSO

By the Public Affairs Office

With the support of the Bundeswehr's Operational Communication Centre (ZOpKomBw), the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) has introduced lectures in Behavioural Analysis.

Major Dr. Francesco Galvano, an Italian exchange officer with the ZOpKomBw and a specialist in behavioural analysis and criminology, supports both the ZOpKomBW and the NSO. His methods combine analysis and evaluation of the information environment.

He supports, amongst others, the following courses: P5-40 NATO Force Protection and M9-57 NATO Civil-Military Orientation. (for more courses, please refer to the → course catalogue)

Colonel Davis and Colonel Schreckinger

Change of Command at the NSO

By the Public Affairs Office

We welcome the new Chief of Staff, Jac-Peter Tölkes, at the NATO School Oberammergau. Colonel Tölkes is also responsible for the German military staff at the NSO.

His predecessor, Colonel Joachim Schreckinger, retires after 41 years of service in the Bundeswehr. We thank Col Schreckinger for his service and wish him a long and enjoyable retirement. (read more...)

NATO Certified Instructor Programme (NCIP)

By Col Michael A. Davis, USA-A, Commandant of the NSO

We are very proud to present our new NATO Certified Instructor Programme (NCIP).

With this programme we want to expand the NCIP across the Alliance. From now on any member from a NATO or Partner Nation from an Education and Training Facilities can join the programme. (read more ...)

Col Davis, MCPO Skorjanc, Mr. Huber, Mr. Rödl

Oberammergau’s Mayor at the NSO

By the Public Affairs Office

The Mayor of Oberammergau, Mr. Andreas Rödl, and his deputy, Mr. Eugen Huber, visited the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) this week. The NSO Commandant, Colonel Michael A. Davis, showed them the School and presented the hygienic concept. The Mayor really appreciates how the NSO handles the operation of the School under COVID-19 restrictions.

More than a month ago, the NSO resumed providing education and individual training on the operational level to international students.

Colonel Michael A. Davis

Powerful Cooperation Between the NSO and the George C. Marshall Center

By the Public Affairs Office

Colonel Michael A. Davis, Commandant of the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) supported this year’s Eurasian Security Studies Seminar (ES3) at the George C. Marshall Center (GCMC) in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

The 3-week seminar is a capstone event for the US Foreign Area Officer (FAO) corps. It started on 9 Sep 20 and is providing initial training to the 25 new FAOs to understand the key security and Alliance issues at the core of Eurasian peace and stability.

Colonel Davis presented the basic history and concepts of Energy Security, as well as the key international, regional, and national issues and interests concerning Energy Security in Europe and Eurasia. "Energy is the lifeblood of our modern societies, as crucial as water and air. It is a component of nearly every foreign policy matter and fundamental to successful military operations. Understanding energy security will be paramount to your work as Foreign Area Officers, whether serving at a strategic staff level or in one of our embassies abroad", said Colonel Davis.

Ms. Gialitaki, Col Davis, Mr. Swords, Mr. Bumgardner, Col Craycraft, Lt Col De Dios

Mr. John Swords' visit to the NSO

By Lt Col Carlos De Dios, USA-AF
Legal Advisor (US)

On 20 Aug 20, the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) was pleased to host Mr. John Swords, the Chief Legal Advisor to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. Mr. Swords discussed unique legal issues affecting NATO policy and procedures as a guest speaker for the NSO Legal Advisor Course. The course prepares military and civilian legal advisors to address legal issues routinely encountered when working for or with NATO organizations. The NSO is committed to bringing high quality presentations, education, and training to its students for successful NATO operations.

Lt Col Carlos De Dios

The NSO Reopens for Residential Courses

By the Public Affairs Office

On 17 Aug 20, the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) reopened for residential courses beginning with the Legal Advisor Course and the NATO Instructor Course hosting over 40 students. The NSO implemented strict safety and hygiene protocols to ensure the safety of the students and NSO staff. Safety measures included mandatory use of face coverings and reduced class sizes to allow for additional spacing between students. "The courses were a great success for the NSO demonstrating that we can continue to deliver critical individual training and education to our Allied partners in a safe and effective manner," said Lieutenant Colonel Carlos De Dios, the course director for the Legal Advisor Course.

Successful completion of the NATO Science for Peace & Security Cyber Programme (SPS) for the Republic of North Macedonia

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

On 07 Aug 20, the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO), together with the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS), formally completed the M6-109 Network Vulnerability Assessment and Risk Mitigation Course offered to the Republic of North Macedonia (MKD). All training was conducted online in an effort to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and successfully concluded the cyber programme offered by the two Education & Training (E&T) institutions to the newest NATO member. Of the 30 students who successfully completed the course, 23 students were certified in Ethical Hacking v.10 by the EC-Council, an internationally recognized certification body.

The two NATO SPS cyber courses offered this year to the MKD represent the Alliance’s investment in the Education and Training of its members, together with providing cyber expertise, support and information sharing.

Image Source: www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news_174589.htm

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

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

On 01 Jun 20, the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO), together with the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS), formally opened the M6-109 Network Vulnerability Assessment and Risk Mitigation Course offered to the Republic of North Macedonia under the NATO Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme. The first 9 weeks of the course will be conducted online in an effort to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. (read more ...)

Joint Targeting

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

You are interested in Joint Targeting?
Visit the link below to learn more about our courses at the NSO.

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 global 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 ...)

Image Source: www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news_174589.htm

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 ...)

Resident Academic Pause

By COL Michael Davis, USA-A
Commandant NATO School Oberammergau

The NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) ceased in-resident education effective Friday, 13 Mar 20.

Our intention is to resume in-resident education 17 Aug 20. If the situation allows, we will re-admit resident students and begin local training sooner. The NSO will continue to update customers and nations alike, based on the dynamic situation.

The NSO intends to continue normal staff and faculty operations in the coming days, while remaining vigilant and exercising preventative measures to ensure the safety of our staff and faculty.

We extend our deepest apologies to the many of you that support the NSO. I am certain that you understand our obligation to focus, first and foremost, on the health and safety of our local community, which includes our NSO faculty and our larger Oberammergau community.

First Target System Analysis Workshop at the NSO

By LTC James Pierotti, CAN-AF
Deputy Department Director JTIC

On 18 and 19 Feb 20, the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) held the very first Target System Analysis Workshop. Over 40 participants from across NATO’s command and force structure, and from 14 different nations, attended to discuss the federation and standardization of a target system analysis. As NATO stands up its new Centralized Targeting Capacity (CTC) organization, it is critically important to standardize NATO’s approach to targeting, which includes the what, why, and how to create a target system analysis that can be shared across NATO. Integration of lethal and non-lethal effects was a priority for the discussion on how to transition from day-to-day operations to a crisis, and overall the conference led to a shared understanding of the basic of target system analysis between nations and NATO organizations. Group Captain Emma Thompson, the commander of CTC, stated that "federating NATO’s approach to targeting is an important milestone and this conference was a necessary and successful first step to developing a shared understanding of the way forward."

CMSgt Bowes, COL Hill, LTC De Dios, LT Gen Rockwell, COL Davis, COL Kennedy, CMSgt Locke

LT Gen Rockwell visit to the NSO

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

On 07 Feb 20, the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) was pleased to host The Judge Advocate General of the United States Air Force (TJAG), Lieutenant General Jeffrey Rockwell, and the USAFE-AFAFRICA Staff Judge Advocate, COL James Kennedy III, following the annual 2020 USAFE-AFAFRICA Legal Summit held in Garmisch-Partenkirchen that week. The NSO Commandant COL Michael Davis, the NSO Dean of Academics COL Brian Hill, Mr. David Stoffell NSO Department Head for NATO Education, Training, Exercises, and Evaluation, and the NSO Legal Department Director LTC Carlos De Dios briefed LT Gen Rockwell on the NSO training contributions to the alliance and the NSO legal department's efforts to ensure NATO legal advisors are prepared to support and enable successful NATO operations. LTG Rockwell also emphasized the need for continued collaboration between the U.S. Air Force Legal Service and NATO School Oberammergau to bolster Alliance capability, interoperability, and readiness. The NSO guests included TJAG's executive officer COL Paul Condie, the director of the Air Force's Judiciary COL Julie Pitvorec, TJAG's Senior Paralegal Manager Chief Master Sergeant Sherry Bowes, and the Paralegal Manager for USAFE-AFAFRICA Chief Master Sergeant John Locke.

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 ...)

Minister of Defence/Vice Prime-Minister Radmila Šekerinska opens the Network Security Course in Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia

Network Security Course Opening in Skopje

By Liliana Serban,
NPS Course Director /Liaison Officer

On 27 Jan 20, the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO), together with the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS), ,opened the M6-108 Network Security Course at the Military Academy General Mihailo Apostolski in Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia. This was the first cyber course that the two institutions will deliver in Skopje under the NATO Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme. The course will be followed by M6-109 Network Vulnerability Assessment & Risk Mitigation Course in Spring/Summer 2020.

"We need our personnel to excel in cyber defence", stated Minister Šekerinska in her opening remarks to the course. "Our investment in cyber defence if part of our long-term development plan, and one of our top priorities that supports our plan to attract, recruit, and retain skilled people to work in the cyber area", underlined the Minister in her address to staff and students.

Mr Alan Howard, NPS, together with Colonel Orce Popovski and Colonel Mitko Bogdanoski, Dean and Vice-Dean of the Military Academy in Skopje, also addressed the audience and spoke about the importance of delivering these two cyber courses to the Republic of North Macedonia.

The course was attended by 33 students (18 military and 15 civilians) representing 7 different governmental institutions.

2019

Colonel Michael A. Davis

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...)

NSO concluded the first cyber security programme in Kuwait

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

On 17 Oct 19, the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO), together with the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS), Monterey, USA, concluded the second cyber security course at the NATO-Istanbul Cooperation Initiative (ICI) Regional Centre in Kuwait.

The first course, Introduction to Network Security, held from 24 Mar to 04 Apr 19, was followed by an Introduction to Network Vulnerability Assessment & Risk Mitigation, from 06 to 17 Oct 19. The courses were organised under the auspices of the NATO Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme and brought together 40 IT specialists, network security administrators, technicians and engineers from different governmental agencies representing all the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

These tailor-made courses are aimed at strengthening the ties between the countries in the Gulf region and NATO and at developing local cyber expertise by addressing the “bits-in-transit” aspect of network security and potential vulnerabilities and their mitigation in networked systems.

"The security and stability of the region heavily depend on reliable cyber infrastructure, and these courses represent a significant added value to NATO’s efforts on projecting stability to the South of the Alliance", underlined Colonel Brian Hill, USA-AF, the NSO Dean of Academics, in his closing remarks.

Inaugurated in Jan 17, the NATO-ICI Regional Centre is the hub for education, training, and other cooperation activities between NATO and its ICI partners in the Gulf, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

173^rd IBCT Leaders' Symposium 2019

By Ms. Andrea Kaufmann, Protocol Office

From 15 – 18 October 2019 the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) hosted the United States Army's 173^rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) for a Leaders Symposium. The 173^rd IBCT, which is an airborne infantry brigade based in Vicenza, Italy, selected the NSO as the venue for this year's Leaders Symposium. Each of the brigade's several subordinate battalions from Vicenza, Italy, and Grafenwoehr, Germany, met together with their leadership to discuss various topics on contemporary conflict and training.
Supported by NSO instructor, SMSGT Vladimir Kubes (CZE-AF) and Dr Pal Dunay (HUN-CIV), Professor of NATO and European Security Issues at the George C. Marshall Center, the men and women of the 173^rd "Sky Soldiers" got the opportunity to deepen their knowledge about NATO history and structure, NATO political and military concerns, and modern Russia. The group was also honored to include former 173^rd IBCT (A) Commander and now Deputy Commanding General of U.S. Army Europe, Major General Andrew Rohling.
In addition to theoretical work in the classroom, they started every morning with physical training, hiking the Kofel, running the trails of the Ammergauer Alps, or biking along the Ammer valley. A tour to Murnau and Griesbräu finalized their Symposium and introduced them to Bavarian culture.

Colonel Kovacs (with beret) at work

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

Boeing EA-18G Growler
Image: Senior Airman John Linzmeier [Public Domain]

XX-157-A-19 NATO Suppression of Enemy Air Defences (SEAD)

By Sqn Ldr David Tucker GBR-AF HQ AIRCOM – Course OPR

From 17-20 Jun 19, the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) hosted the pilot for the proposed NATO Suppression of Enemy Air Defences (SEAD) Course. The Course aims to provide personnel with the knowledge and understanding of the processes and planning of SEAD missions within the NATO context. The Course’s target audience is NATO operational and tactical-level headquarters staff who are required to execute SEAD missions as part of Joint Operations.

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 ...)

70th Anniversary of the NATO

By the Public Affairs Office

Supporting NATO since 1953, NATO School Oberammergau (NSO)'s students and staff, military and civilian, united for a very special occasion: The Alliance’s 70th Anniversary. Before the photo was taken, everyone enjoyed a delicious anniversary theme cake provided by the NSO Command Group in the NSO cafeteria.

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 ...)

4 Mar 19, NATO Training for National Army Sergeants Corps. Source: Ministry of Defense of Republic of Moldova

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...)

The CSEL TNA Working Group

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 ...)

2018

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...)

Energy Security Strategic Awareness Course

By Michael Ruhle, Head of Energy Section, Emerging Challenges Division, NATO HQ Brussels

From 24-28 Sep 18, the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) held its fourth Energy Security Strategic Awareness Course. 38 participants from 22 countries discussed multiple dimensions of energy security, ranging from geopolitical issues, maritime and cyber security, to energy efficiency in the military. A particular focus was the protection of critical energy infrastructure. In addition to lectures, participants also engaged in a table-top exercise, which allowed them to apply their newly acquired knowledge.

The Course was organized by the NSO with support of the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, the NATO Energy Security Centre of Excellence in Vilnius, Allied Command Transformation, Allied Command Operations, and NATO’s Emerging Security Challenges Division.

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...)

Major General Weidhüner at the NSO

By the Public Affairs Office

On 01 Aug 18, Major General Franz Weidhüner, Head of the Bundeswehr Joint Forces Office, paid his first visit to the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO).

After being welcomed by the NSO’s Deputy Commandant, Colonel Joachim Schreckinger, General Weidhüner was briefed on the NSO mission and core activities in addition to the current status of the 32 Bundeswehr staff. The visit concluded with a guided tour of the NSO Campus and facilities. Afterwards, the General continued his tour to Garmisch-Partenkirchen where he visited the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies.

General Weidhüner assumed command of the Bundeswehr Joint Forces Office in Bonn, Germany, on 15 Dec 17, and thus directs all German Armed Forces schools, training and research centres, the Military Counterintelligence Service, and the Bundeswehr's higher academies and universities.

Slovak Chief of Defence at the NSO

By Command Sergeant Major Miroslav Dulaj
NSO Command Senior Enlisted Leader

On 19 Jun 18, the NSO hosted the new Slovak Chief of Defence, Lieutenant General Daniel Zmeko, and the Command Senior Enlisted Leader of the Slovak Armed Forces, CSM Vladimír BELUŠ. On 7 May 18, LG Zmeko assumed responsibility as the highest ranking military Commander in Slovakia, placing his visit to the NSO as one of his first official events in his new capacity. This occasion marked history for the school as the first-ever visit of a Slovak CHOD in the 65-year history of the school.

LG Zmeko and the NSO Commandant, Col Dreifke, discussed various topics including NATO Adaptation, the security environment in central and eastern Europe, and the importance of educational development in today‘s modern armed forces. LG Zmeko was delighted to see an increasing number of Slovak students in recent years. He also took great satisfaction and pride seeing a Slovak Senior NCO, CSM Miroslav DULAJ, as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader of the school. LG Zmeko assured the Commandant about future Slovak support and that he will advocate for increased faculty from NATO and Partner nations to meet the growing mission demand at the NSO.

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...)

V4 Senior Enlisted Seminar

By Command Sergeant Major Miroslav Dulaj
NSO Command Senior Enlisted Leader

From on 30-31 May 18, the NSO participated in the V4 Senior Enlisted Seminar in the Czech Republik. The NSO was represented by Command Senior Enlisted Leader (CSEL) Command Sergeant Major Miroslav Dulaj and Superintendent of the Academic Department Sergeant Major Martin Gut. Twenty four top enlisted leaders from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland, Texas, Nebraska, the NSO and NATO ACT discussed topics with regards to Non Commissioned Officers (NCOs), especially the future development of the NCO Corps and mutual cooperation in the area of education and training.
Baseline for discussion was the Strategic Foresight Analysis and NATO NCO Bi-SC Strategic Command Strategy and NCO Guidelines.

At the seminar, NCOs serving or having served at the NSO met. Chief Warrant Officer Tibor Bogdán, a former course director and instructor at NSO’s NCO Programme, was selected to become the next ACT CSEL, replacing CCM Jack Johnson Jr. later this year.

NATO Land Operations Discipline Workshop

By Public Affairs Office

From 08-09 May 18, the NATO Land Operations Discipline Workshop took place at the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO). The purpose of the workshop was to facilitate the development of new training and education opportunities based on identified education and training gaps as well as providing a forum for the Land Operations Community to express and identify individual, collective or potentially duplicated training requirements.

On 09 May 18, Course Control Documents (CCDs) were signed by the Land Operations Requirement Authority, represented by Commander Piotr Paluch, LANDCOM, and Mr Mathew Fitch, Department Head, USAREUR. The Slovak Armed Forces were represented by Command Sergeant Major Miroslav Dulaj, the NSO’s Command Senior Enlisted Leader. The signed CCDs allow the Slovak Armed Forces Academy to certify the course Introduction to the Planning of Joint Operations and finalize the ACT institutional accreditation process.

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...)

NSO Booth at the MPC WS 18

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.

COL Brian A. Hill (USA-AF), NSO Dean

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...)

NSO's Digital Badging Programme

By Mr. Gheorghe Roman
Standards, Evaluation and Training Department

The NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) is constantly looking for new tools and methods in training and education, student skills recognition, competencies and achievements. Since the start of the digital badge programme in summer 2017, the NSO has issued 1139 badges to students attending 27 different courses. Currently 55% of all NSO students sign up for a digital badge upon the successful completion of their course. By the end of 2018, the NSO plans to make digital badges available for 85 courses.

NSO course graduates can claim and display their digital badge on any online platform. The NSO’s digital badges are also portable and contain metadata which provides information about the issuing organization, the recipient, and evidence that substantiates the award of the badge.

If you would like more information on the NSO Digital Badging initiative, please use the contact form at the top of this page and select ADL/eLearning from the Category dropdown menu.

Defence Policy and Planning Symposium 2018

By the NSO Public Affairs Office

From 27 Feb - 01 Mar 18 the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) hosted the Defence Policy and Planning Symposium (DPPS) chaired by Mr Heinrich Brauss, Assistant Secretary General for Defence Policy and Planning, International Staff, NATO HQ.

The theme of this year’s symposium was "NATO fit for purpose". Three themes emerged regularly and prominently during the presentations and discussions: strategic narrative, speed, and prioritisation.

The symposium's chairman described that the event as "[…] most productive." He pointed out, that he has "[…] no doubt that many of the ideas expressed here will feature prominently in our work in the run-up to the Summit and beyond. […]."

The DPPS is an annual gathering that started in the mid-nineteenseventies which the NSO has hosted for the past several years. This year, participants from 34 nations and 11 organizations attended the DPPS.

LTC Ian Clooney, GBR-A, ACOS J5 EA; COL Brian A. Hill, USA-AF; BRIG GEN Bruce Ploughman, CAN-AF, SHAPE ACOS J5; MAJ Annie Bergeron, CAN-AF, NSO Training Development Officer

Brigadier General Ploughman visits NSO

By Lieutenant Colonel Dai Davies
Director Joint Plans and Operations Department

From 13-14 Mar 18, Brigadier General Ploughman, Assistant Chief of Staff, J5 Plans Directorate at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), visited the NSO Joint Plans and Operations Department (JPOD) and discussed SHAPE's vision for the NATO Comprehensive Operations Planning Course (COPC), additional NSO course offerings, and the Operations Planning Discipline with JPOD staff and the NSO Leadership. The General provided insights into educating NATO and partner staff officers and conveyed direction and guidance for future improvements in the art of NATO operations planning, a key component of the NSO’s academic portfolio.

General Ploughman's visit included observing a COPC war gaming cycle, one-to-one interviews with instructors from JPOD, and a round table summative discussion with the Dean of Academics, Colonel Brian A. Hill, USA-AF, as well as members of JPOD. General Ploughman commented: "With SACEUR’s focus on developing and growing NATO’s most capable planners, the NSO provides a conducive environment in which students are able to focus on learning and practicing the operations planning process free from distractions and pre-conceived ideas or existing thinking." JPOD’s Director, LTC Christopher Davies, GBR-M, noted the context of the visit was absolutely on target, stating: "To the future, this visit has increased the NSO’s dialogue with SHAPE and will ensure JPOD's portfolio remains absolutely relevant to NATO and continues to train students fit for purpose within the Joint Force Commands, NATO Force Structure, and beyond."

Operations success is insured by intensive and thorough planning across the full spectrum of NATO collective defence, cooperative security, and crisis management scenarios. In this spirit, operations depend on effective and efficient planning. Who better to share expertise with the NSO, the Alliance's focal point for individual education and training at the operational level, than Brigadier General Ploughman.

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 ...)

Dr. Andrew A. Michta (GCMC Dean), Col Dreifke, LTG Dayton, Col Schreckinger, Col Hill, Lt Col Grossmann

New Year's Reception Garmisch-Partenkirchen

By Colonel Hill
Dean of Academics

On 24 Jan 18, Colonel Timothy Dreifke, the Commandant of the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) , and NSO key leaders promoted the strong partnership with the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies (GCMC) at a New Year's Reception held at the Garmisch-Partenkirchen (Ga-Pa) Kongresshaus. Hosted jointly by the Municipality of Ga-Pa and the GCMC, this year's event brought more than 450 civilian and military leaders from across Bavaria to celebrate the start of a new Academic Year. The evening began with a performance by the Gebirgsmusikkorps Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The Lord Mayor of the Municipality of Ga-Pa, Dr. Sigrid Meierhofer, reflected on the area's success in 2017 including its close ties to the GCMC and the NSO. She reflected on both ongoing civil infrastructure projects and future plans to support Ga-Pa's growing population. The GCMC Director, U.S. Army Lieutenant General (Ret) Keith W. Dayton, took the opportunity to thank the community of Ga-Pa and Bavaria for 25 years of support which enables the GCMC to "create a more stable security environment by advancing democratic institutions and relationships; promoting active, peaceful, whole-of-government approaches to address transnational and regional security challenges; and creating and enhancing enduring partnerships worldwide".

As NATO's premier Education and Training institution at the operational level, the NSO partners with the GCMC in strengthening interoperability and stability for NATO Allies and a host of key partners with the goal of promoting dialogue and understanding among the global community of nations.

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...)

Colonel Handle and Colonel Mattina

NSO Representatives lecture at the Tunisian War College

By Public Affairs Office

On 10 Jan 18, NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) representatives Colonel Enrico Mattina, ITA-A, and Colonel Paul Handle, AUT-A, visited the Tunisian War College to deliver lectures on NATO and Partnership programmes.

The War College is presently hosting its 22nd class with a total of 82 officers, mostly in the rank of OF-4, including eight international students from Germany and seven African nations. The NSO representatives brought an international flavour to the curriculum resulting in genuine interest in the presentations and discussions. The visit was of mutual benefit as they were able to exchange views on current issues and further cooperation with some of the officers in the audience having already attended courses in Oberammergau or received training at their units by NSO’s Mobile Education and Training Teams (METTs). In 2018 Tunisia will send officers to 32 different NSO courses.

Tunisia joined NATO’s Mediterranean Dialogue in 1994 and in March 2016 requested a Defence Education Enhancement Programme (DEEP). NSO’s engagement within the DEEP is to support the faculty and curriculum development for the Tunisian Staff and War College.

NSO supports Montenegro’s Cyber Defence Training

By Liliana Serban
NSO Course Director and NPS Liaison Officer

Under the auspices of the NATO Science for Peace Programme (SPS) the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) supports Montenegro’s cyber defence objective as defined in its NATO Accession Plan. From Mar - Dec 2017 the NSO, in collaboration with the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School (NPS), conducted two cyber security courses in Montenegro’s capital Podgorica: the Network Security (M6-108) Course and the Network Vulnerability Assessment and Risk Mitigation (M6-109) Course.

The training audience of 30 students was comprised of professionals from various governmental organizations, whose daily tasks include network management and administration, as well as engineers, technicians, forensic investigators and penetration testers. Each course lasted ten weeks including both resident instruction and self-paced learning. During the first and last week of each course students had to attend lectures in Podgorica with eight weeks of distance learning in between. At the end of the Network Vulnerability Assessment and Risk Mitigation Course (M6-109) 21 students received an industry standard certification in ethical hacking from the International Council of E-Commerce Consultants. This coveted certification significantly improves national expertise and enhances national capacity to respond to cyber incidents and to the defence of national networks.

The students valued the lectures, remote laboratory environment and final projects and exams offered by the two courses. Students stated, they "[…] can use this knowledge and the presented real world examples to improve [their] regular work" and underlined that, "[…] it is nice to know so much about cyber security. […] The courses gave a great opportunity for intensive and broad learning."

2017

Lieutenant General Whitecross with NSO leadership and Course Directors

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...)

www.act.nato.int/cde-conf

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 ...)

Colonel Timothy E. Dreifke (NATO Photo)

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 ...)

Ettal Pupils educate the NSO Staff

By Public Affairs Office

On 11 Oct 17, 15 pupils currently studying Advanced-level English at the Benedictine High School in Ettal (5 kilometers from Oberammergau) presented the German Country Brief to an audience of over eighty NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) staff and spouses. The Brief addressed a broad spectrum of German culture, history, politics and facts from Beethoven to beer, from the Bundestag to the Bundesliga.

The pupils were not only placed in the unfamiliar surroundings of the NATO School but also had to talk, for over an hour, in a second language and in the presence of their English teacher and headmaster, Hubert Hering. Through their proficiency in English, often combined with humour, the pupils successfully achieved their goal and expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to gain valuable experience and to engage in conversation.

NSO staff are planning a return visit to the Ettal High School to instruct and debrief the students and to further links between the NSO and the local community.

General Wolters, AIRCOM

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...)

Image Source: www.sunweblab.com

OSINT Workshop

By Intelligence Department

From 26 – 28 Sep 17, the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) hosted the NATO Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) Working Group (OSIWG) workshop for OSINT training development.

In response to the Allied Command Operations (ACO) requirement, this workshop was directed by the OSIWG to develop new curriculum consistent with MC 0647 – Policy on OSINT and doctrine AJP-2.9. Allied Command Transformation (ACT) has selected the NSO to be the primary education and training facility to support the training outcome. This new curriculum will enhance existing instruction by incorporating contemporary practical exercises and by adding e-Learning modules as mandatory pre-requisites.

The participants in this workshop included national representatives from Canada, Estonia, Hungary, Romania, Poland, The Netherlands, USA and NATO's Intelligence Fusion Centre (NIFC) complimented by NATO Command Structure representation from the Joint Warfare Centre (JWC), ACT and the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE).

Energy Security Strategic Awareness Course attracts largest number of participants ever

By Mr Michael Rühle, NATO HQ

From 25 - 29 Sep 17, the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) facilitated the third Energy Security Strategic Awareness Course. The course was held in cooperation with NATO Headquarters, Allied Command Operations, Allied Command Transformation, the NATO Energy Security Centre of Excellence and the US Naval Postgraduate School (NPS).

This year’s iteration of the course featured the largest number of participants so far. 40 students from 23 allied and partner countries attended. According to Colonel Timothy Dreifke, Commandant of the NSO, this vindicates the School’s decision of three years ago to go ahead with this new kind of course. Alan Howard, Deputy Chair of the NPS’s Energy Academic Group, agrees: "The NSO is the perfect venue for such a course. The NSO’s infrastructure and staff help to create the right atmosphere for disseminating a lot of knowledge in a rather short span of time. The participants' feedback shows that they truly appreciate this. Their engagement throughout the course was exemplary."

The course takes place annually in the Autumn and covers various aspects of energy security, ranging from cyberattacks on energy infrastructure to maritime security.

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...)

NSO Survey closed

By Lieutenant Colonel Frank Grossmann, Acting Dean of Academics

The NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) study, conducted by a Canadian professor of Political Science from Ottawa, Ontario Canada, has now been successfully concluded. There is no more need to respond to E-Mails that had been sent out by NSO and the Canadian supplier, asking for participation in this survey. Thanks to all who supported our efforts in improving our students’ learning experience. NSO will post a brief summary of findings in due course, once the final report has been submitted to us.

NSO Online Questionnaire

By Lieutenant Colonel Frank Grossmann, Acting Dean of Academics

On 06 Jun 17, the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) launched a survey aimed at obtaining student feedback from those who have attended NSO courses over the past three years.

Should you or your colleagues receive an E-Mail from NSO's 'QA-Team' account, this is a genuine E-Mail introducing the survey. A follow-up E-Mail from Dr. Conrad Winn, a Canadian Professor of Political Science, will contain the link to the online questionnaire. This follow-up E-mail originates from the Logit Group in cooperation with Cido Research, both Canadian suppliers to Dr. Winn. Should you have any further questions related to the survey, please do not hesitate to contact the POCs listed in the E-mails.

The NSO appreciates you taking a few minutes to help improve our training, making the NSO an even better learning experience for future students. Thank you for your contribution.

Memorandum of Understanding

By Colonel Enrico Mattina, Special Advisor to the Commandant

On 19 May 17, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Professor Roberto Mugavero, President of the Observatory on Security and CBRN Defence (OSDIFE) and USA Air Force Colonel Timothy Dreifke, Commandant of the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO).
This memorandum provides the basis for a future closer cooperation in the field of CBRN Defence between the two Institutions in order to further enhance the successful outreach policy and the high level of professional education and training offered by the NSO.

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...)

First JIPOE Workshop at the NSO

By Intelligence Department

From 15 - 19 May 17, the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) hosted the first Joint Intelligence Preparation of the Operational Environment (JIPOE) workshop.
This workshop was conducted in order to support the development of the NATO level 3 doctrine document AIntP-17 (Allied Intelligence Publication) "JIPOE". The aim of AIntP-17 is to provide a capability within NATO that will support the commander's decision making process during operational planning and improve interoperability by providing guidance to operators, trainers and practitioners executing the JIPOE process. In addition, AIntP-17 will serve as the basis for more detailed standard operating procedures (SOPs) and will be used inside several NSO courses.
The participants in this first workshop included representatives from USA, Sweden, Poland, the Netherlands, Great-Britain, ACT and LANDCOM.

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...)

Office Call

Rear Admiral Pietro Luciano Ricca visits NSO

By Colonel Enrico Mattina, Special Advisor to the Commandant

On March 23, Rear Admiral Pietro Luciano Ricca, Head of Personnel Department of the Italian Defence General Staff, visited the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) in the spirit of the long pursued policy of cooperation with this NATO prime educational institution. After an office call with the NSO Commandant, US Navy Captain Scott Butler, and the Dean of Academics, Colonel Timothy Dreifke, he received a presentation on the activities of the School. Later on, he had the occasion to meet with the Italian personnel serving at the NSO, the third largest military community there, and took a tour of the facilities.

Admiral Nielson, DSACT

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...)

His Excellency Ambassador Masafumi Ishii

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...)

Lieutenant General Williams

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...)

2016

Joint Targeting Programme

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 Concept Development and Experimentation (CD&E) Course

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...)

PTEC Marketplace 2016

By Public Affairs Office

On 19 Oct 16, the NATO School Oberammergau Dean of Academics, Colonel Dreifke, addressed representatives from 19 Partnership Training and Education Centres (PTEC) at the PTEC Community event known as the "Marketplace" held in NATO Headquarters, Brussels. ( read more on ACT website... ) ( more pictures… )

SACEUR, General Scaparotti

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...)

Attendees "Energy Security Strategic Awareness Course 2016"

Energy Security Strategic Awareness Course

By Michael Rühle, Head Energy Security Section NATO HQ

On 30 September the second Energy Security Strategic Awareness Course concluded at the NATO School in Oberammergau. During the five day course 33 participants from 21 NATO and partner nations discussed crucial energy security issues, including the security implications of global energy developments, threats to Critical Energy Infrastructure, and enhancing energy efficiency in the military. Like the successful pilot course in 2015, the second iteration was a joint project by the NATO School, the NATO Energy Security Centre of Excellence in Vilnius, the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, the two NATO Strategic Commands, and NATO's Emerging Security Challenges Division. Speakers included renowned energy experts from the academic community, various ministries, the military, and the private sector.

The students attended lectures on the geopolitics of energy security, maritime security, cyber defence, the role of the private sector in energy security, military energy efficiency approaches, and other related subjects. They also worked in syndicates and conducted a table-top exercise to develop their own responses to energy-related security challenges.

The course is supposed to become an annual event and corresponds to the Wales and Warsaw Summits' call to enhance training and education efforts in energy security.

Member of Bavarian Parliament visits NATO School

Col Schreckinger with Herrn Kühn

Bavarian Parliamentary visit to the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO)

By Captain Franziska Hesse, Public Affairs Office

On 26 Sep 16, Mr. Harald Kühn, of the Bavarian Parliament, was welcomed to the NSO by the Deputy Commandant, Colonel Joachim Schreckinger. Mr. Kühn visited the exhibition of NSO history and afterwards invited German staff members to join in conversation during which he answered questions regarding local and national politics. He further expressed his appreciation of the military, especially in his constituencies of Weilheim-Schongau and Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

United Kingdom Metropolitan Police

2016 International Hostage Negotiation Workshop

By Sergeant Jamie Cavazos, Public Affairs Office

In September 2016, the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) facilitated the inaugural Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Hostage Negotiation Workshop hosted by the United Kingdom Metropolitan Police. Delegates from the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman and Kuwait attended the two-day workshop with the aim to support ongoing collaborative efforts in countering the threat of, and response to, terrorist-inspired events.

CTC Group Photo (photo by SGT Jacob Seguin US-A/Released)

Combined Training Conference NATO School Oberammergau (NSO)

By Sergeant Jamie Cavazos, Public Affairs Office

During the period 25-29 July 2016, the NSO hosted the United States Army Europe (USAREUR) Combined Training Conference (CTC) attracting approximately 390 US and NATO military planning staff. The aim of the CTC was to synchronize, source and schedule regional, land-based, joint integrated exercises and individual training that support NATO interoperability and develop Allied and partner capabilities and capacities, with a planning horizon of 2017-2019.

Teaching Gender in the Military

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...)

NATO DEEP Program

NATO NCO Seminar in Ukraine

By Sergeant Major Martin Gut, Non-Commissioned Officers Programmes Department (NCOPD)

In the first quarter of 2016, SGM Janez Smid (SLO) developed a two-week seminar for Ukraine (UKR) NCOs under the auspices of the Defence Education Enhancement Programme (DEEP). The DEEP mission is to contribute to international security through the professionalization of the Officer Corps, NCO Corps and civilian defence officials of partner countries to ensure their respective defence education institutions are compatible with western defence education standards and values. SGM Smid organized and led two seminars in the Ukraine from May 23 to June 17 and was ably supported by CWO Yancy Savard (CAN), SGM Miroslav Dulaj (SKV), SGM Robert Plzak (CZE) and CWO Henry Bethlehem (NLD) of the NSO NCOPD. The NSO staff presented lessons and guided discussions on Officer-NCO Relations, NCO Development, Gender and Equal Opportunity, Counselling and Communication and Career Paths. Furthermore, the NSO staff presented the NATO NCO Bi-SC Strategy and Recommended Non-Commissioned Officers Guidelines from Oct 2010, the NCO Professional Military Education Reference Curriculum and the NCO programmes from their respective nations and services. The seminars provided the UKR Leadership, Officers and NCOs with detailed insight in how to develop their NCO Corps and the opportunities that arise from a having well-trained educated and structured NCO Corps.

Creation of the Joint Plans and Operations Department

Creation of the Joint Plans and Operations Department (JPOD)

By Lieutenant Colonel Dai Davies, Joint Plan and Operations Department

The Joint Plans and Operations Department was created in June 2016. It was the product of a merger between the Joint Operations Department and the Joint Plans Department. In reality, this will have little impact on the current course delivery of the two departments, as they merge; things will carry on as it was before. This merger will impact on NSO's daily business in terms of the naming conventions and department function. In essence everything that was related to JOPS and JPD is to be directed to the JPOD.

Command Sergeant Major Davor Petek

ACO CSEL keynote speech to the NATO NCO Orientation Course

By Command Sergeant Major Miroslav Dulaj, Non-Commissioned Officers Programmes Department (NCOPD)

On 05 May 2016, Command Sergeant Major Davor Petek, the Command Senior Enlisted Leader NATO Allied Command Operations, addressed the NATO NCO Orientation Course, held at the NATO School Oberammergau, followed by an open discussion with 50 students from 17 NATO and partner countries. The NCO Orientation Course teaches students the NATO structures, policies, operations and emerging issues required for NCOs to work effectively within the Alliance. CSM Petek also forwarded greetings and a message on behalf of General Curtis Scaparrotti, Supreme Allied Commander Europe.

Air Marshal Graham Stacey

Visit of COS ACT to NATO School Oberammergau (NSO)

By Sergeant Jamie Cavazos, Public Affairs Office

On 21 Apr 16, Air Marshal Graham Stacey, the Chief of Staff of NATO Allied Command Transformation, gave the keynote speech to the NATO Operational Law Course held at the NSO. The Air Marshal’s address on The Commander’s Expectations for Legal Support was well received by the multi-national audience and provided ample ammunition for debate and cross examination during the subsequent Question and Answer session. The visit concluded with an office call with the NSO Dean of Academics prior to the Air Marshal’s departure for Virginia.

Maj Alessandro die Rienzo, JTIC staff

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...)

Vice Admiral James Foggo

Visit of COM STRIKFORNATO to the NATO School Oberammergau

By Colonel Zsolt Mikusi

On 14 Apr 16, Vice Admiral James Foggo, Commander US 6th Fleet and Commander Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO), paid his first visit to the NATO School. During his visit VADM Foggo addressed the NATO Non-Commissioned Officer Intermediate Leadership Course and visited the Exhibition of the History of the NATO School.

Gender Briefing at PfP Training and Education Centre, Ankara

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...)

StratCom Seminar in Madrid

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...)

General Denis Mercier and US Navy Captain Scott Butler

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...)

2015

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...)

Irregular Warfare

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 NSO

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...)

Mark Laity, GBR-CIV, Chief of Strategic Communication, SHAPE

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...)

Iraqi Warrant Officer (OR-9) Sara Al-Sammarraie

"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 Marriët Schuurman

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...)

SMPC in Georgia

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...)

Environmental Protection

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 OPC in Ethiopia

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...)

MPC Workshop

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

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...)

JTIC Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

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...)

2014

Accreditation

NSO Receives HQ SACT Unconditional Quality Assurance Accreditation

NATO School received NATO’s highest grade in its recent assessment by the HQ SACT Quality Assessment Team of Experts, meeting or exceeding the minimum criteria in all assessment areas. These outstanding results were announced by HQ SACT Joint Force Trainer, Vice Admiral Javier Gonzalez-Huix, ESP N, on 1 Dec 14. This achievement comes at the end of an 18 month review of academic and supporting staff processes to ensure students at NATO School are given the best possible training and education in a professional and supportive learning environment and just as importantly, that there is a continuous improvement mind-set to carry the organization forward through the six years of the accreditation period. (read more...)

Current Schedule

Sep 28	Course: N3-17-J-20 NATO Joint Targeting Staff (NJTS) Course
Sep 28	Course: M4-86-A-20 NATO Senior Medical Staff Officer Course (SMSOC)
Oct 5	Course: M7-126-B-20 NATO eLearning Instructional Design Course
Oct 5	Course: N3-17-G-20 NATO Joint Targeting Staff (NJTS) Course
Oct 5	Course: N2-47-C-20 NATO Intelligence Warning System (NIWS) Course

Oct 5	Course: M3-81-A-20 NATO Biological Warfare Defence Awareness Course
Oct 5	Course: M1-82-C-20 NATO NCO Intermediate Leadership in a Multinational Environment
Oct 12	Course: N3-139-F-20 NATO Joint Intermediate Target Development Course
Oct 12	Course: N2-02-C-20 NATO Intelligence Course
Oct 19	Course: N3-17-K-20 NATO Joint Targeting Staff (NJTS) Course

Oct 19	Course: M5-18-A-20 Combined CFE Arms Control Verification Inspector/Escort Course
Oct 19	Course: N2-03-A-20 Intelligence Analyst Course - Critical Thinking and Structured Analysis (CT&SA)
Oct 19	Course: M3-52-C-20 NATO Crisis Management Course
Oct 19	Course: M3-70-B-20 NATO CBRN Defence Orientation Course
Oct 19	Course: N3-97-G-20 NATO Collateral Damage Estimation (CDE) Course

Oct 26	Course: P5-129-B-20 NATO Alternative Analysis Course
Oct 26	Course: M7-137-B-20 NATO Quality Assurance Course
Oct 26	Course: N3-140-F-20 NATO Battle Damage Assessment Course
Oct 26	Course: N2-03-B-20 Intelligence Analyst Course - Critical Thinking and Structured Analysis (CT&SA)
Oct 26	Course: N5-36-B-20 NATO Staff Officer Defense Planning Course

Oct 26	Course: M5-46-C-20 NATO Public Affairs Policy Indoctrination Course
Oct 26	Course: N2-06-C-20 NATO CJ2X Course
Oct 26	Course: M5-65-B-20 Vienna Document Compliance and Verification Course
Nov 2	Course: N3-10-B-20 NATO Nuclear Command Control & Reporting System (NNCCRS) User/Operators Course
Nov 2	Course: S7-136-B-20 NATO Systems Approach to Training

Nov 2	Course: N2-151-B-20 NATO Intelligence Processing Course
Nov 2	Course: M4-159-C-20 NATO Logistics Introductory Course
Nov 2	Course: N2-03-C-20 Intelligence Analyst Course - Critical Thinking and Structured Analysis (CT&SA)
Nov 2	Course: M5-32-G-20 NATO Staff Officer Orientation Course
Nov 2	Course: S5-44-C-20 NATO Public Affairs in Operations Course

Nov 2	Course: P3-53-B-20 Combined Joint Operations Centre Course
Nov 9	Course: N3-134-A-20 Introduction to NATO Surface Based Air Defence
Nov 9	Course: M7-51-B-20 NATO Concept Development and Experimentation Course
Nov 9	Course: N5-68-B-20 NATO Operational Law Course
Nov 16	Course: M4-92-C-20 NATO Logistics Operational Planning Course (NLOPC)

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Thank you for your interest in NATO School Oberammergau (NSO)

News Overview

2020

Landrat Speer and Mayor Rödl at the NSO

NSO Instructor visits Rome for Strategic Communications Training

Online Cyber METT delivered to the NATO-ICI Regional Centre Kuwait

Behaviour Analysis lectures at the NSO

Change of Command at the NSO

NATO Certified Instructor Programme (NCIP)

Oberammergau’s Mayor at the NSO

Powerful Cooperation Between the NSO and the George C. Marshall Center

Mr. John Swords' visit to the NSO

The NSO Reopens for Residential Courses

Successful completion of the NATO Science for Peace & Security Cyber Programme (SPS) for the Republic of North Macedonia

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

Joint Targeting

The NSO Establishes Distributed Learning Department

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

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

Resident Academic Pause

First Target System Analysis Workshop at the NSO

LT Gen Rockwell visit to the NSO

Visit of COS ACT to the NSO

NSO Tablet Trial

Network Security Course Opening in Skopje

2019

The NSO at the 2019 PTEC Marketplace

NSO concluded the first cyber security programme in Kuwait

173rd IBCT Leaders' Symposium 2019

Exercise Tobruq Legacy 2019

Change of Command at the NATO School Oberammergau

XX-157-A-19 NATO Suppression of Enemy Air Defences (SEAD)

Unified Tactical Missile Kinetic Performance Model

How Do You Define 'Leadership'?

NSO strengthens Cooperative Security & Interoperability with Ukraine Armed Forces

70th Anniversary of the NATO

NATO School Oberammergau Concluded the Second Energy Security Course in Kuwait

NCOPD in Moldova

ETEE Annual Discipline Conference (ADC) & CSEL TNAWG

Starting the Academic Year 2019

International Innovations in the Classroom @ I/ITSEC 2018

2018

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

The NSO at the 2018 PTEC Marketplace

30 Ukrainian Students Attending the C3 Course

NSO Graduates win NATO e-Learning Showcase During ACT Forum

Energy Security Strategic Awareness Course

Opening of the Newly Designed NCC Bar

NATO Senior Officer Policy Course at the NSO

NATO Spokesperson Oana Lungescu visits the NSO

Major General Weidhüner at the NSO

Slovak Chief of Defence at the NSO

NSO at Tag der Bundeswehr

International Senior Enlisted Seminar 2018

V4 Senior Enlisted Seminar

NATO Land Operations Discipline Workshop

Combined Training Conference 2018

Military Partnership Cooperation Workshop 2018

NATO School Oberammergau teaches in Kiev

Tablet in the Classroom – an NSO Experiment

NATO CD&E Seminar in Singapore

NSO's Digital Badging Programme

Defence Policy and Planning Symposium 2018

Brigadier General Ploughman visits NSO

Africa Military Law Forum

First Critical Energy Infrastructure Protection Course in Kuwait

New Year's Reception Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Combined Training Conference

NSO Representatives lecture at the Tunisian War College

NSO supports Montenegro’s Cyber Defence Training

2017

Visit by Lieutenant General Whitecross at the NSO

NSO at CD&E Conference in London

PTEC Marketplace 2017

Ettal Pupils educate the NSO Staff

Senior Officer Policy Course 2/17

OSINT Workshop

Energy Security Strategic Awareness Course attracts largest number of participants ever

N3-97 NATO Collateral Damage Estimation Course Accreditation

Manfred Wörner Hall Update

173^rd IBCT Leaders' Symposium 2019