Students came this time from Denmark, Finland, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Norway, Romania, Sweden, Switzerland and Ukraine with ranks varying from sergeant to captain. They are divided in three syndicates. The syndicate leaders are from Denmark, Finland and Norway.
The aim of the course is to give the students a working knowledge of the NATO/PfP staff working procedures in order to function as an operational staff officer at a battalion level HQ in a Peace Support Operation. The main effort during the course will be focused on understanding current NATO policy and doctrine for PSO, practice NATO operational planning process (OPP) including development of orders and plans. Co-operation between a military staff and different civilian components (GOs, NGOs), together with the various parties involved in a conflict will be also exercised.
The course is conducted by lectures, syndicate works, case studies and map exercise. The length of the course is three weeks. The final Command Post Exercise where the students are manning the different branches in a Nordic Battalion Headquarters will be conducted during the last week.
“The PfPJSOC will especially fit to officers who are heading to ISAF and KFOR operations. Course will give a very suitable “toolbox” for possible upcoming duties in a PSO. Further on the job training is still required” commented course director maj Matti Ylinen (FIN A) during the welcome briefing.