MAGAZINE
2022
Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development
and NATO School Oberammergau
By Marc CORRIVEAU , CAN Air Force CWO , NSO CSEL
one of NATO ’ s premier education and individual
As training facilities , NATO School Oberammergau ( NSO ) conducts hundreds of multinational programmes annually in support of current and developing operations , strategy , policy , doctrine and procedures . Located in picturesque Southern Bavaria , Germany , the NSO offers the student population a conducive learning environment designed to create a shared understanding and interoperability that is at the core of successful multinational operations . The NSO ’ s diverse portfolio of over 115 course offerings is continually updated to meet the Alliance ’ s current and future requirements . Since its inception , the NSO has graduated over 200,000 military and civilian students representing NATO nations , partner nations and international organizations .
As highlighted in the recent 17th annual iteration of the International Command Senior Enlisted Leader Conference , the Non-Commissioned Officer ( NCO ) Corps makes up 75-80 % of NATO ’ s military force and is the backbone of many nations ’ Armed Forces . Human capital is arguably one of the most important assets of any organisation and given the increasingly complex and ever-evolving global military landscape , it is imperative , now more than ever , that the NCO Corps continues to adapt itself to meet future challenges . The significance of education and training cannot be overemphasized as both are vital components of a ready and responsive force ; one that is capable of demonstrating teamwork , strength and deterrence .
While many of the NSO ’ s courses are available to Non- Commissioned Officers from OR-4 to OR-9 , one department in particular is focused predominantly on NCO professional development . The Non-Commissioned Officer Programmes Department ( NCOPD ) is designed and entrusted with providing an education and training solution to enhance interoperability , prepare NCOs for employment in international / multinational settings , and to support nations with their NCO development efforts in accordance with the NATO NCO Bi-Strategic Command Strategy and NCO Guidelines . NCOPD ’ s offerings include Orientation , Intermediate and Advanced Leadership , Academic Instruction and Command Senior Enlisted Leader Courses .
Three of NCOPD ’ s principal offerings are the Intermediate , Advanced and Command Senior Enlisted Leader courses . These courses have a multinational environment focus and include a selection of topics such as NATO Overview , Ethical Behaviour , Personality Profiles , Counselling , Advising the Commander , Command Team , Media Awareness , Conflict Management and many more . The two-week leadership courses are highly interactive and delivered using an assortment of instructional methods designed to enhance the learning experience . Depending on the course , discussions range from the Tactical to Strategic level .
NCOPD ’ s ability to achieve success in the transfer of knowledge , education and skill is due in large part to the teamwork and collaborative efforts between the NSO and organisations such as NATO ’ s Allied Command Operations , Allied Command Transformation , Allied Air Command , Allied Land Command and Allied Maritime Command to name a few .
I am confident that the partnerships , friendships and networking opportunities forged while attending NSO courses will benefit graduates for years to come . We look forward to welcoming you to the NATO School Oberammergau . LC
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