During two demanding weeks of self-study, lectures, exercises and group work, course participants acquired or further developed their skills in operations planning in accordance with current NATO standards. Shortly after the start of the course, they became members of a fictitious joint planning group and gradually worked through the planning process, from the initial assessment of an emerging crisis, through the operational assessment of the strategic environment and mission analysis, to the development and analysis of courses of action and the formulation of a proposed decision for the commander.

Given the wide range of ranks represented among the participants, their varying levels of planning experience, the broad spectrum of professional backgrounds and the fast pace of the course, teamwork is essential to success. This includes an effective division of tasks among collaborating syndicates and making maximum use of each participant’s individual experience. While the instructors provide the framework, methodological guidance and pace for the planning process, the participants integrate their own knowledge and experience into the process. In doing so, they not only develop their own planning skills but also serve as subject-matter advisers and instructors to one another.

Author: Col Petr Vohralík, MA