Visit from the Fondazione SAFE

By Col Carlo Cavalli, ITA-A, Special Advisor to the Commandant, 18 Nov 22

On November 10, President of the Fondazione SAFE (Security and Freedom for Europe), Andrea D’Angelo visited the Commandant of the NSO (NATO School Oberammergau), Colonel Jay Smith. During the office call, President D’Angelo presented the Fondazione SAFE mission, history, values and its ongoing projects mainly focused on CBRN training, protection, research, and technology studies. President D’Angelo offered collaboration with the NSO and the opportunity to visit the Fondazione training & testing facility in Monte Calvarina (Verona – Italy).

Founded in 2018 in Italy, SAFE is an independent, not-for-profit Foundation promoting high-impact research, training and development activities. Funded by Italy, the EU, and other international organizations, SAFE has three focus areas: the security sector reform; defence, peace and stability; and freedom and fundamental rights sectors. In 2021, SAFE Foundation activities spanned more than 20 EU and Mediterranean countries to implement over 30 projects and train over 2,000 security and defence practitioners.

Learning from One Another’s Culture

By the Public Affairs Office, 16 Nov 22

Last week, the staff of the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) had the opportunity to participate in the German Country Brief. During this event, all attendees learned a great deal about the history of Germany, and how it has become the country it is today, the German military and also importantly the German culture, including the people and the food.

The German staff members offered 16 different variations of food, a specialty from each of the 16 federal states of Germany. And while enjoying the fantastic food, the staff members had the chance to engage and learn even more about the different cultures at the NSO.

There are over 200 staff members from more than 20 nations at the NSO and they are all working together to strengthen the Alliance; these different cultures make the NATO School a special place to both work and study. Events like the German Country Brief give everyone the opportunity to get a better understanding of the German culture and the different cultures within the School and this helps significantly to build the rapport and strengthen the alliance through better understanding and improved engagement.

Visit from the NATO Mountain Warfare Centre of Excellence

By Col Carlo Cavalli, ITA-A, Special Advisor to the Commandant, 02 Nov 22

On October 19, the Commandant of the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO), Colonel Jay Smith received the visit of the Director of the NATO Mountain Warfare (MW) Centre of Excellence (COE), Colonel Borut Flajšman.

During the office call, the Commandant was informed of the MW COE mission and its contribute to strengthening the Alliance’ resilience by being recognized as a leading institution in the area of Mountain Warfare. It was also an occasion for the Director of the Center to present MW COE ‘s ongoing projects focused on new concepts development and experimentation of new technologies.

Col Flajšman offered his collaboration and support to the School and the opportunity for the NSO Commandant and staff to visit the MW COE in Poljče.

Honouring an Exceptional Supporter of the NSO

By Mr Gheorghe Roman, ROU-CIV, Instructional System Specialist, 26 Oct 22

Last week, Colonel Jay Smith, Commandant of the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) recognised Mr. Paul Thurkettle from the Allied Command Transformation Joint Force Development with the NATO School Fellowship Award. This prestigious award recognises an individual who has made a long-term significant contribution to the School. Mr Thurkettle is the third recipient of this award over the School's 69 year history.

Working with the NSO since 2004, Mr Thurkettle has been involved in multiple aspects of the institution, from ISAF pre-deployment training to developing and implementation of web portals and learning management systems.

Since 2012, he has also supported the School as the Officer of Primary Responsibility for the move of the NATO e-Learning Course to the NSO, taking the course from a 3-day event to a fully accredited three-week course held online and in residence in Oberammergau. The course supported by ACT and NSO staff has two iterations a year with over 400 students now graduated into the NATO and national systems to promote and develop eLearning.

To support innovation in education and training, Mr Thurkettle has worked with the NSO to investigate new technologies and standards to improve the capabilities and possibilities of student education. These include virtual and augmented reality and hologram technology.

Thurkettle stated: "The NATO School Oberammergau, apart from being a fantastic location, has always been a frontrunner in its willingness to explore new ideas and technology. From the Commandant, Dean, to all the staff I have always found support and an open mind to what we can do to improve our joint capabilities and offerings to the students. I am deeply honoured by this award and recognition".

A Nostalgic Visit at the NSO

By Wg Cdr John Riddell, GBR-AF, Deputy Chief of Staff, 18 Oct 22

The Director Development Joint Support and Enabling Command (JSEC), Air Cdre Elizabeth Purcell, visited the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO). During her visit she made an office call with the Commandant of the NSO, Colonel Jay Smith. This was a nostalgic visit for Air Cdre Purcell as she was accompanied by husband James and her father, Lt Col John V Rowland (Royal Marines, Retired) and mother Julia. Air Cdre Purcell lived at Oberammergau between 1987 and 1989 when her father served in his last tour at the NSO.

Her father, Lt Col John, joined the Royal Marines as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1958 when he was 19 years of age. Following a successful career, including overseas tours in Aden, Singapore and separately the Falklands’ Naval Party and three separate appointments in the USA (1978 – 1981), he served in his last tour at the NSO. During his last tour he was accompanied by his family which included his daughter, Air Cdre Purcell who is now Deputy Director JSEC and based at Ulm.

The visitors enjoyed the opportunity to explore the facilities and take in the history of the NSO as well as looking at the current role of the School. It also offered them the chance to view the old lecture facilities where Lt Col John presented and to compare them to the new facilities where Air Cdr Purcell recently presented to the Senior Officers’ Policy Course.

With the NSO 70th Anniversary due to take place in 2023 this visit was especially timely as it offered the opportunity for the Commandant to reflect on the many changes and challenges that the NSO has seen and faced in the 33 years since Lt Col John served at the NSO; notably, the NSO now annually train over 10,000 students and deliver over 100 courses.

Australian Delegation at the NSO

By LT COL Franz Feyerer, AUT-A, Staff Officer for Outreach, 11 Oct 22

The NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) was glad to welcome a delegation from Australia.

In recent years, Australian soldiers have made a big impact on the School's courses. Many Australian students have come to the NSO to gain knowledge about how the NATO operates and to network with all the other nations who attend courses in Oberammergau. However, due to the Corona virus, the influx of students from Australia was interrupted.

The aim of the visit was therefore to discuss the resumption of successful cooperation. After a busy day, the delegation was bid farewell in the hope of welcoming an Australian staff member to the NSO soon.

The NSO Provides Training in Tunisia

By LT COL Ståle Grytli, NOR-A, INTEL Department Director, 06 Oct 22

As part of the Mobile Education and Training Teams (METT), three Course Directors of the INTEL Department of the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) visited Tunisia.

This METT is a part of the Defence Capacity Building package for Tunisia (DCB TUN) which was first issued approved by the nations and tasked to the Secretary General of NATO 2018. The package has been updated and reconfirmed in 2022. DCB TUN entails 11 different areas/topics across several NATO training disciplines.

In support of NATO’s engagement in Tunisia, member nations with embassies present in Tunisia share the responsibility to act as the Alliance’s contact point for fortune authorities. From 2022 to 2024 Türkiye will represent NATO, taking over from Italy.

The NSO delegation had the chance to meet Ambassador Çağlar Fahri Çakiralp. The NSO would like to thank the Ambassador and his staff for reaffirming their commitment to support planning and execution of future METTs in Tunisia.

Learning from One Another’s Culture

By the Public Affairs Office, 30 Sep 22

Last week, the staff of the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) had the opportunity to participate in the Hungarian Country Brief. During this event, all attendees learned a great deal about the Hungarian military and also importantly the culture, including the people and the food.

Among other regional specialities from Hungary, the highlight of this afternoon was the home-made Goulash. And while enjoying the fantastic food, the staff members had the chance to engage and learn even more about the different cultures at the NSO.

There are 200 staff members from over 20 nations at the NSO and they are all working together to strengthen the Alliance; these different cultures make the NATO School a special place to both work and study. Events like the Hungarian Country Brief give everyone the opportunity to get a better understanding of differnt cultures and this helps significantly to build the rapport and strengthen the alliance through better engagement.

The NSO Moves the NATO Imagery and IMINT Staff Course into the Future

By the Public Affairs Office, 27 Sep 22

Last week, 20 students from 12 nations joined the NATO Imagery and IMINT Staff Course under the lead of CWO Mikolaj Mazurkiewicz (POL-A).

The aim of this course is to provide students with the foundational knowledge of NATO Imagery organisations, operations, requirements and procedures in preparation for applications within NATO.

The IMINT capability in NATO has been identified as a deficiency so that its development is a priority. Because of this, the course at the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) must keep up with these developments to ensure students receive the most relevant and up to date information.

For the next course iterations, the NSO plans to include several updates, like new exercise scenerios, to move this course into the future.

If you want to get further information, please visit our → course catalogue

The NSO Family Grows

By the Public Affairs Office, 22 Sep 22

The NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) welcomed 20 new staff members and their families to Oberammergau. We look forward to their contributing to the maintenance of the School's reputation for excellence and as a safe space to teach the Alliance's strategy, policy, doctrine and procedures.

At the same time we had to sadly say goodbye to three comrades who depart with our thanks and best wishes for the future.

New Opportunities for Further Cooperation

By the Public Affairs Office, 21 Sep 22

Last week, Major General Jerry F. Prochaska, Deputy Director Joint Warfighting Development US Joint Staff J-7 visited the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO).

During his stay he discussed with Colonel Jay Smith, Commandant of the NSO, opportunities to cooperate on professional military education among other areas.

We are looking forward to more fruitful, expanded cooperation and we thank General Prochaska for his interest in the NSO.

Visit from the NATO Security Force Assistance Centre of Excellence

By Col Carlo Cavalli, ITA-A, Special Advisor to the Commandant, 15 Sep 22

At the beginning of September, the Commandant of the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO), Colonel Jay Smith received the visit of the Director of the NATO Security Force Assistance (SFA) Centre of Excellence (COE), Colonel Massimo Di Pietro.

During the office call, the Commandant was informed of the SFA COE current project and the future collaboration with the NSO based on a Letter of Intent signed last May in Rome. Its aim was establishing a general framework within which both NATO SFA and the NSO. The Director of the SFA COE highlighted the ongoing projects and relationship between the ITA SFA COE and the US SFAs.

Col Massimo Di Pietro offered his continued support to the School and the opportunity for the NSO Commandant and staff to visit the SFA COE in Rome.

The NSO is Proud to Host the NATO Senior Officer Policy Course

By the Public Affairs Office, 12 Sep 22

Last week, more than 60 high-ranking military and civilian students, from about 15 countries across the Alliance, attended the NATO Senior Officer Policy Course (SOPC) hosted by the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO).

The aim of this course is to present senior NATO personnel (some new to their posts) with the key factors, concepts and principles of NATO’s current and future security environment while providing insight into the wider strategies and policies of the Alliance. Among the speakers addressing the course were Ambassadors, permanent representatives to NATO, National and International Military Staff NATO HQ and several Generals; themes included Trans-Atlantic relationships, current challenges for the Alliance and the ever-changing strategic environment.

If you want to learn more about the course, please click → here

The Queen

By the Commandant of the NATO School Oberammergau, 09 Sep 22

Sincere condolences to the Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom, Canada, and the Commonwealth on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

May she rest in peace.

One last time

By the Public Affairs Office, 07 Sep 22

Major General Franz Weidhüner, the Commander of the Armed Forces Office in Bonn, Germany, visited the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) for the last time for now. As from October 2022 he will no longer be responsible for the German soldiers at the School.

During his last visit he took the opportunity to engage with the Commandant and his Deputy, Colonel Jac-Peter Tölkes. They discussed the challenges facing the NSO German Element and how their mutual cooperation could be strengthened in the future.

General Weidhüner also spoke to the German soldiers to gauge which topics were important to them and to identify how the Armed Forces Office could support them with these topics in the future.

Military Leaders met at the NSO to Discuss the Future Support

By the Public Affairs Office, 23 Aug 22

Last week, the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) was pleased to host support representatives from USEUCOM, the German Ministry of Defence and the German Armed Forces Office to invigorate links with NSO support POCs.

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

The NSO thanks all participants for the fruitful discussions and hopes to expand the cooperation in the future.

Leap of Faith

By the Public Affairs Office, 09 Aug 22

The military chaplain of the US Army Garrison Garmisch invited some of NATO School Oberammergau’s Staff to a paragliding event at the Kreuzeck in Garmisch. 15 soldiers and civilians from 6 nations had the opportunity to take the leap of faith.

The weather was superb but wind conditions varied in the early morning so that the first group needed to hike for roughly 40 minutes through the beautiful mountainous area until they got to the perfect starting point: the Kandahar, the famous worldcup ski slope.

Every participant described the flight as a breathtaking experience that brought nothing but joy. While the flight itself lasted only for about 15 -20 minutes, the memories created that day will last a lifetime.

The new Commandant of the NSO welcomed two important visitors at the School

By the Public Affairs Office, 05 Aug 22

This week the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) welcomed Lieutenant General John Kolasheski, V Corps Commanding General and Major General Matthew J. Van Wagenen, Deputy Chief of Staff, Strategic Employment, SHAPE at the School.

During their visits, the Generals got an overview about how the NSO operates and how future cooperation could be expanded. Furthermore Colonel Jay Smith, Commandant of the NSO, had the chance to explain his vision for the schools future.

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

Change of Command at the NATO School Oberammergau

By the Public Affairs Office, 15 Jul 22

On 13 Jul 22, Colonel Jay Smith, US Army, assumed command of the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO). Lieutenant General David Julazadeh, US Air Force, Headquarters SACT, presided at the formal ceremony.

Colonel Smith, who previously served as the Chief of Joint Doctrine in the Joint Staff Joint Force Development Directorate in Washington D.C., highlighted the importance of the NSO as the NATO Alliance’s premier operational-level training institution. (read more ...)

Visit from USA Space Branch

By LTC Josef Oswald, DEU-A, Deputy Department Director SET, 15 Jun 22

LTC USA-AF Ritter, a former Course Director at the NSO, took some of the young cadets of the USA Space Branch (AFROTC Detachment 305) to visit Europe and, amongst others, planned a stop in Oberammergau. The visit served two purposes: to show the cadets that there are professional opportunities outside the US and to engage in networking and cooperation between allies quite early.

Monday morning started with a Bavarian breakfast with the motto "US Cadets meet Weisswurscht" or better said "Never put ketchup on a Weisswurscht"!

After that, the group, guided by LTC Oswald and accompanied by Mr. Josef Beranek – lending his skills as a photographer - departed to Mittenwald. The Commander of the Mountain Infantery School, LTC Gerrit Reichinger, welcomed the cadets and organised a unique day. After an introduction briefing, executed by his deputy LTC Martin Spenzberger, the visitors moved to Grainau, took the Cogwheel train up to the top of the Zugspitze and were given the opportunity to watch a special survival training for crashed helicopter teams in difficult areas. Parts of the training included Igloo construction or roping in dangerous areas with bad weather conditions. The motivation, dedication, the knowledge and the capabilities of the instructors were impressive!

In the late afternoon the cadets returned to PARTENKIRCHEN where LTC Oswald showed them around the former Olympic Stadium (1936 Winter-Games), where the 4 Hills Tournament takes place every year. This was followed by a guided tour through Partenkirchen old-town-district, executed by Mr. Beranek. Supported by the NRC Team, they finished the day with a BBQ.

On their second day the cadets got to experience Bavarian "Wiener and Debreziner", a guided tour through NSO and a briefing on NSO's tasks and capabilities given by USA-N CDR Jeff Frost. In the afternoon the cadets had the opportunity to experience the German shooting range simulator in the Werdenfels barracks in Murnau. The cadets along with LTC Ritter were grateful for the experiences.

For an impression from the top of the Zugspitze on 30 May 22, please refer to the → video posted on our LinkedIn Site

Cooperation between the NSO and the SFA Strengthens the Alliance

By Col Carlo Cavalli, ITA-A, Special Advisor to the Commandant, 30 May 22

The Commandant of the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO), Col. Michael A. Davis together with the Director of the NATO Security Force Assistance (SFA) Centre of Excellence (COE), Col. Massimo Di Pietro, signed a Letter of Intent aimed at establishing a general framework within which both NATO SFA and the NSO agreed to develop cooperation mechanisms and expert exchanges.

The two organizations’ leaders shared the belief that their mutually beneficial relationship will greatly enhance Alliance educational activities ensuring tomorrow’s NATO leaders are more agile and prepared to face future challenges.

The NSO Offers Support in Many Ways

By LTC Christian Wilhelm, DEU-A, Department Director HIED, 18 May 22

"Following my father’s footprints" was the project title selected by Mr Pasquale Caputo (73), when planning to walk 1.700 km from Memmingen (Germany) to his home town Barletta (Italy).

On the road that his father, an Italian Prisoner of War in Stammlager VII B, had taken, the avid marathon runner headed for Oberammergau on 14 May 22 only to find out that this would be the day of the Opening Ceremony of the Passion Play 2022 and that accommodation in town was unavailable.

However reverting to the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO), he was provided with private lodging and Italian-speaking company. And thanks to the support from Mayor Andreas Rödl, he was even able to attend the Play and meet the NSO’s Dean of Academics, Colonel Ryan Craycraft, US Air Force, whose nation had liberated his father on 08 May 1945.

Mr Caputo, who dedicated his peace march to all Italian POWs, was deeply moved when he set out towards Garmisch-Partenkirchen the next morning to continue his 68-day-long journey.

The NSO hosts the USA/DEU Reserve Seminar

By the Public Affairs Office, 20 Apr 22

The USA Reserve Officer Association and the DEU Reserve Military Association conducted this year’s annual seminar at the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO).

The two associations developed and undertook a very interesting programme including lectures on current topics related to security politics and to the German as well as the US perspectives.

The participants also found time to explore Oberammergau and some of the local attractions. Last, but not least, they were introduced to the NSO, its mission and structure, as well as having a guided tour through the School.

We hope to welcome them again in the near future.

Continuous Improvement is critical to the Alliance

By LCDR Henning Hauser, DEU-N, Course Director HIED Department, 08 Apr 22

The ever-changing security environment demands relevant, adapted and qualified training solutions for the Alliance. As part of this effort, the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) constantly reviews its training solutions in order to provide tangible operational output.

The NSO’s INTEL department has adapted the training needs of the Alliance with respect to the Open Source Intelligence Course and to the NATO Security Course which trains alliance personnel in NATO security measures and procedures. Department staff members, LTC Carbone (USA-A) and SCPT Hupp (DEU-AF), have prepared two short videos to explain the respective course content. Click on the image to see the videos.

If you wish to know more about the training solutions the NSO offers then please follow this link to the → course catalogue

Multinationalism at the Shooting Range

By LCDR Henning Hauser, DEU-N, Course Director HIED Department, 30 Mar 22

Last week American staff members of the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) offered the possibility to qualify with US weapons on an indoor shooting range in Böblingen, Germany.

A detachment of the US European Command facilitated the participants and did an outstanding job in instructing and guiding the participants from the US, Germany, France, Switzerland and Italy on the use of the American M4 rifle and M9 pistol.

All participants were able to qualify at the "marksman" level or above and look forward to another opportunity later in 2022.

NSO Legal Advisor Course was a Success on Many Levels

By the Public Affairs Office, 24 Mar 22

On 17 Mar 22, the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) welcomed distinguished presenters Mr. John Swords (Chief Legal Advisor to the NATO Secretary General), Mr. Andres Munoz Mosquera (Director of ACO/SHAPE Office of Legal Affairs), and Ms. Sujin Chan-Allen (Legal Advisor to the NCIA) to the NATO Legal Advisor Course.

The 50 resident students were afforded the opportunity to interact with NATO’s top legal advisors for an unparalleled view of NATO’s current legal operations and issues. In addition, Mr. Mosquera was honored to award the Serge Lazareff Prize to the NSO’s Legal Advisor Lieutenant Colonel Carlos De Dios (USA-AF) for his outstanding contribution to NATO’s legal training, education and operations.

If you wish to learn more about legal courses at the NSO, please visit our → course catalogue

NSO Engagement with Bavarian State Parliamentarian

By the Public Affairs Office, 17 Mar 22

This week, Mr Harald Kühn, the member of the Bavarian State Parliament (Bayerischer Landtag, visited the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO).

During an office call with the Deputy Commandant, Colonel Jac-Peter Tölkes (DEU-A), Mr. Kühn was informed of the current situation at the NSO and specifically the School’s response to COVID measures and changes required to academic operations and output. Furthermore, he was interested in how NSO staff members and families live in and around Oberammergau, how they are integrated into the local community and to what extent political support is needed.

Mr Kühn offered his continued support to the School and the opportunity for NSO staff to visit the Bavarian State Parliament.

The NSO Welcomes Swedish Parliamentarian

By the Public Affairs Office, 15 Mar 22

The NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) welcomed Ms Alexandra Anstrell, a member of the Swedish Parliament (Sveriges Riksdag). Ms Anstrell is the spokesperson responsible for Naval, International and Civil Defence issues and has a wide portfolio including the Defence Committee, the Committee of EU Affairs, and and as a Boardmember of the Swedish Coast Guard.

Ms Anstrell was interested to understand the centrality of the NSO within NATO’s Education and Individual Training landscape. Ms Anstrell and the NSO Commandant shared a fruitful discussion about Swedish Defence issues, military education and training, as well as contemporary world issues.

We are looking forward to continued and increased cooperation with Sweden and thank Ms Anstrell for her interest in the NSO.

Passion Play Season is Coming Closer - Beards are Getting Longer

By the Public Affairs Office, 03 Mar 22

In 1633 the Oberammergau villagers promised to perform the suffering, death and resurrection of Christ every tenth year, in so far as no one was to die of the plague anymore. The villagers were answered by God and therefore in 1634 the first Passion Play took place. The promise has been kept until today.

Due to this all participants in the 2022 Passion Play are be required to observe the "Hair and Beard Decree". On Ash Wednesday - exactly one year ago a bulletin posted by the Passion Play director and the community advises the participants to "let their hair grow out, and the males to also grow a beard". The only exception being the actors cast in the roles of Romans: they get to wear their hair short and to shave regularly.

We look forward to see 5 of our staff member participating in this year’s Passion Play starting in May.

The NSO Trained More Than 400 Students This Week

By the Public Affairs Office, 25 Mar 22

7 courses with 260 students in resident plus 160 students attending an online course - this is the outcome of the current training week here at the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO).

During this week the students had the chance to increase their knowledge in topics such as Joint Targeting, Advanced Force Protection and Logistics Operations. All these courses provide Education & Individual Training to a professional standard in support of the Alliance.

If you want to join a course at the NSO, please have a look at our → course catalogue.

Increasing Cultural Awareness at the NSO

By the Public Affairs Office, 17 Feb 22

This week, the DEU Element of the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) visited the nearby mosque and Islamic Centre in Penzberg as part of a political educational trip.

During the visit, the NSO staff members learned more about Islamic culture and religion which, with thanks to the Islamic community, helped to increase mutual understanding.

We thank them for the interesting conversation over a mocha and typical Turkish pastries and we are look forward to returning the favour and to welcome the members of the Mosque to the NSO.

New Course Opportunities in the StratCom Curriculum

By LTC Christian Wilhelm, DEU-A, Department Director HIED, 10 Feb 22

The NATO Communications & Information Activities Planner’s Course is the latest addition to the Strategic Communications curriculum at the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO).

As the Information Environment becomes the engagement space of the future, delivering cognitive effects in support of the NATO aims and objectives is becoming ever more important. That’s why experts like Lt Col Andrew (GBR-A) teach Info Ops, PsyOps and Military Public Affairs students from across the Alliance in how to integrate communications into the Operational Planning Process (OPP).

To find out more, check section "XX-173 NATO Communications & Information Activities (Comm&IA) Planner Course" on the → Course Announcements page

The NSO is Proud to Host the NATO Senior Officer Policy Course

By the Public Affairs Office, 24 Jan 21

Last week, more than 60 high-ranking military and civilian students, from about 15 countries across the Alliance, attended the NATO Senior Officer Policy Course (SOPC) hosted by the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO).

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

Among the speakers addressing the course were Ambassadors, permanent representatives to NATO, National and International Military Staff NATO HQ and several Generals; themes included Trans-Atlantic relationships and the ever-changing strategic environment.

If you want to learn more about the course, please click → here

How to Make the Perfect Homemade Pizza Margherita?

By the Public Affairs Office, 17 Jan 22

Today is the International Day of Italian Cuisine and we asked a genuine Italian how to make the perfect homemade Pizza Margherita. And Colonel Carlo Cavalli agreed to reveal his secret to culinary success. (read more ...)

A Good Start for the NSO in 2022

By LTC Michael Reinkunz, DEU-A, Special Advisor Quality Assurance, 12 Jan 22

The NATO School Oberammergau (NSO) received the HQ SACT Evaluation Report and the final decision. Due to the result that all NSO core processes fully meet the NATO Quality Standards the institution has been awarded an Unconditional Accreditation for the next six years.

This decision will have positive impact on the NSO customers. The School will continue to offer its portfolio of 113 NATO-approved courses. All students can rest assured that the NSO's mission to conduct education and training in support of current and developing NATO strategy, policy, doctrine and procedures is extant and endorsed.

HQ SACT conducts institutional accreditation in order to provide confidence to the Alliance that recognized Education and Training Facilities, in support of NATO, operate within an effective Quality Management System (QMS). This QMS assesses the organizational structure, the responsibilities, the processes/procedures and the resources of the institution.