NATO Special Operations University: Course Catalogue

NATO Special
Operations
University
2023–2024
Course
Catalogue
The Crossroads
of NATO SOF
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Special
Operations University (NSOU) has received unconditional
accreditation by the Supreme Allied Commander
Transformation for the alignment of its core processes and
procedures with NATO Quality Standards. In 2023, NSOU was
granted an additional accreditation through the Accrediting
Council for Continuing Education & Training, which further
assures that the curriculum offered at NSOU is current,
relevant, and educationally sound.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Page
Welcome to the 2023–2024 Academic Year......................................3
NATO Special Operations University...............................................5
Chièvres Air Base......................................................................7
SHAPE...................................................................................9
Getting There..........................................................................9
SOF Professional Development .................................................. 10
General Information...................................................................10
Comprehensive Defence (CHT, Resilience, and Resistance) Course............11
NATO SOF Instructor Training.........................................................13
NATO Leadership Academy........................................................ 15
NATO SOF Leadership Courses........................................................16
Operational Studies Branch....................................................... 19
ADL 101 Introduction to NATO Special Operations................................20
ADL 102 Fundamentals of NATO SOCC Operations.................................21
NATO SOCC Staff Course — Hybrid Delivery........................................23
NATO SOCC Planning Course..........................................................24
NATO SOCC Joint Operations Centre/Air Operations Centre Course...........25
NATO SOF Evaluation Course..........................................................27
NATO SOF Personnel Recovery Course...............................................28
NATO SOF Advisory and Liaison Basic Course.......................................29
Building SOF Capability Course (Managerial Level)...............................30
Air Development Division......................................................... 31
NATO Special Operations Air Planning Course......................................33
NATO SOF Air Mission Commanders Course.........................................34
NATO SOCC Joint Operations Centre/Air Operations Centre Course...........35
NATO Special Operations Air Task Group Course...................................37
NATO SOF Air Mission Execution
(previously NATO SOF Air Mission Challenge).......................................38
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Maritime Development Division.................................................. 40
NATO Special Operations Maritime Task Unit Course..............................41
NATO Special Operations Maritime Task Group Course...........................42
Technical Studies Branch.......................................................... 43
General Information — NSOU Intelligence Courses ...............................43
NATO SOF Intelligence Course........................................................44
NATO SOF Human Network Analysis and Support to Targeting Course..........45
NATO SOF ISR Operations and Intelligence Collections Course..................46
ADL Digital Force Protection — Asynchronous......................................48
Basic Intelligence Systems Core Training...........................................49
NATO Intelligence Functional Systems Training....................................50
Network Engagement and Targeting Course........................................51
General Information — NSOU Technical Exploitation Courses...................52
NATO SOF Technical Exploitation Operations Course.............................53
NATO SOF Comprehensive Media Exploitation Course............................54
NATO SOF Drone Exploitation Course................................................56
Medical Training and Education.................................................. 57
NATO Special Operations Medical Planning and Support Course (Task Group)... 58
Special Operations Medical Instructor Development Course....................59
NATO Special Operations Surgical Team Development Course..................60
Advanced Resuscitation Course .....................................................61
Table of Contents
NATO Chemical, Biological, Radiological,

and Nuclear Medical Planning Course...............................................62
NSOU General Information........................................................ 63
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Foreword
Welcome to the 2023–2024 Academic Year
I am proud to open NSOU’s 2023–2024 academic year. My vision

for NSOU is to remain the crossroads of NATO special operations
forces (SOF) and a gathering place for the Alliance’s best and
brightest to learn, share, and teach. NSOU is committed to
leading the Alliance in SOF education and the development of the
most important weapon NATO has—our minds.
NATO SOF are most effective when their leaders are able to apply
creative and critical thinking on the battlefield. The university is
the focal point for SOF to develop the cognitive skills necessary to
be responsive and decisive at the right time, achieving the right
objectives.
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Our operations and planning courses, which teach special
operations component command (SOCC) staff how to plan and
execute as a team, remain the core of our university. Layered on
top of that, the NSOU Leadership Academy is in its third full year
and continues to teach command teams at all levels from tactical
units through enterprise-level strategic leadership. Additionally,
NSOU is developing several new and innovative initiatives,
including updated course offerings and the establishment of an
NSOU Research Centre.
Finally, I welcome your continued feedback on how the university
can better serve the SOF community. Your input is critical and
allows us to tailor NSOU’s curriculum to meet the needs of the
Alliance and our partner nations.
See you on campus!
Sincerely,
Antonio M. Fletcher
Lieutenant General—USA Army
Commander, Allied SOF Command (SOFCOM)
Foreword
4
Foreword
NATO Special Operations University
NSOU provides a physical and virtual common space where the entire
NATO SOF community can assemble and create lasting relationships
throughout the Alliance. The university endeavours to provide the
right training to the right people at the right time. For the university
to remain current and relevant, NSOU employs a wide variety of
teaching methods with diverse instructor backgrounds. The university
has helped develop over 15,000 NATO SOF professionals throughout its
history and strives to continue supporting the community for decades
to follow.
Approximately 19 kilometres (km) north of Supreme Headquarters
Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), NSOU provides SOFCOM with a physical
and virtual SOF campus at Chièvres Air Base (AB). The facilities at
Chièvres were purpose built to exploit technology and incorporate
the SOF mindset into an academic design that educates and trains
personnel to operate in challenging environments.
To meet the highest training and education standards, flexible
infrastructure, technology, and adult-learning strategies come
together to support how you learn best. Classrooms can be configured
to accommodate two operational centres and multiple syndicate
rooms with moveable, high-quality whiteboard walls and mobile desks
with computers to accommodate lectures, syndicate discussions,
and planning spaces. The NSOU SOF Leadership Academy will enjoy
a standalone facility this academic year with specifically tailored
classrooms and a collaborative working environment to promote
fruitful discussion and to better enhance networking as well as
learning.
NSOU campus (Chièvres site)
5
Selected education and training solutions provided by NSOU can be
adapted and executed as mobile education training team events. Please
contact NSOU directly to discuss requirements and availability.
The SOFCOM Deputy Chief of Staff Warfare Development ensures that
the NSOU curriculum is synchronized with doctrine, training, and
operations through special operations courses designed to develop
the collective professionalism of NATO SOF while also enhancing the
strategic effects that NATO SOF achieve in support of Supreme Allied
Commander Europe’s (SACEUR’s) priorities.
NSOU conducts courses with in-house assets and hosts courses from
partner military education/training institutions as well. Significant
areas of influence include SOCC training and education courses,
intelligence and exploitation courses, SOF air courses, medical
education, and SOF professional development courses.
The NSOU website (www.nshq.nato.int/nshq) contains the latest course
calendar and a detailed description of each course. You can also find an
online course registration process that includes mandatory registration
for an NSOU account. Registering for an account using an official email
domain (e.g. .mil or .int) is the fastest/preferred method for account
activation. Using a commercial provider (e.g. Hotmail, Gmail) requires
identity verification through SOFCOM personnel or national training
representatives. When registering for a course, please include an
attendance justification (e.g. preparation/certification of high readiness
elements, operational requirements, or job position) in the remarks
block of the online form to aid the staff in student prioritization and
confirmation when courses are oversubscribed.
Foreword
NSOU campus overhead (Chièvres site)
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Foreword
Upon course completion, graduates remain connected through a virtual
network that also provides them with the latest course revisions, new
course information, peer contact information, and NSOU website
updates.
Of special note, not all courses require a NATO SECRET clearance to
attend; however, a NATO SECRET clearance is required for unescorted
access to the NSOU campus. A NATO SECRET clearance plus additional
documentation is required for personnel from non-NATO nations.
For more information on attending courses at NSOU without a NATO
SECRET clearance, please contact the point of contact listed in the
online course catalogue.
Chièvres Air Base

Chièvres AB has been associated with Belgian military history since
1917. It was in 1917 that Germany first landed an aircraft outside
the village of Chièvres in the fields they determined to be a prime
location for a military AB.
When World War I ended in 1918, Germany left Belgium without
completing the construction of the AB they envisioned.
The potential AB land was returned to an
agricultural state until the late 1930s,
when the Belgian government decided
to establish the airfield for Belgian
military aviation.
These plans came to a halt when in May
1940, during World War II, Germany
once again invaded the area and began
to finish what they had started in 1917.
During the building of the German AB in 1940–41, more than 9,000 men
and women were employed to build the runways, hangars, barracks,
and flak towers.
In May 1940, the Germans added 1,050 acres to the airfield, making
it eight times larger than the Belgians had originally planned in 1939.
The airfield’s maximum size of more than 3,706 acres was reached in
1944.
The first unit to occupy Chièvres AB in 1940 was the Jagdgeschwader
26 from the Luftwaffe fighter wing, whose mission was to attack the
beachhead of Dunkirk, France, and to bomb airfields and airplane
factories in the neighbourhoods of Paris.
7
Later, the Italian 43rd Group used Chièvres AB as their base of attack
for air raids over Britain.
The Italian group was recalled from Chièvres AB in December 1940,
and the base was occupied by Germany once again.
The Germans stayed at Chièvres AB
until they retreated in September
1944. Germans destroyed all of
the airfield’s infrastructure and
installations and burned all the base
documents and records. The history
of Chièvres AB over the previous
years disappeared in smoke.
Within a week of liberation, the U.S.
Army engineers established a camp at Chièvres AB and began
to rebuild the destroyed airfield. By October 1944, the AB was once
again fully operational. U.S. Army personnel and engineers occupied
the airfield until December 1945, at which time the base was returned
to the Belgian military authorities.
In December 1950, the Belgian 7th Wing was established at Chièvres
AB, where it remained until 31 January 1964. After the 7th Wing’s
departure, the base hosted flight schools and a military training
centre.
On 31 December 1967, Chièvres AB was given to SHAPE as a support
installation.
On 01 January 1968, the U.S. Army established the NATO SHAPE Support
Group on Chièvres AB to provide logistic and aircraft transportation
support to NATO and SHAPE.
In 2009, the NATO SOF Coordination Centre (NSCC) added its training
and education compound to Chièvres AB, supporting the Alliance SOF
mission. In September 2009, the NSCC was renamed the NSHQ and in
June 2023, the NSHQ was renamed once again to SOFCOM.
Foreword
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Foreword
SHAPE
SHAPE is the headquarters (HQ)
of Allied Command Operations
(ACO), one of NATO’s two strategic
military commands. It is located
at Casteau, north of the Belgian
city of Mons. ACO is commanded
by SACEUR and is responsible for
all Alliance military operations.
SOFCOM is located within the
SHAPE perimeter at two separate
locations. The main HQ, Building 915, opened in
December 2012 and houses the commander with their staff and
directorates. It has several conference rooms and a large auditorium.
The former HQ building, Building 208, is referred to as the SHAPE
campus and contains support staff as well as classroom facilities.
More information about SHAPE can be found here:
http://www.shape.nato.int.
Getting There
Transportation around Mons and most of Europe is relatively easy.
This can be accomplished by train, bus, or taxi, depending on the
destination. The recommended airports for arrivals and departures
are Brussels Airport (BRU) for international flights or Brussels South
Charleroi Airport (CRL) for European and national flights. Chièvres AB
is located near the town of Chièvres, Belgium, which is approximately
19 km from SHAPE in Casteau (near Mons). The closest train stations
to Chièvres are in the towns of Brugelette, Ath, and Jurbise. The
closest train stations to SHAPE are in the towns of Soignies, Mons,
and Jurbise. Transportation is a national responsibility. Students
attending courses at NSOU will need a rental car to reach the campus
as there are no public transportation options.
Chièvres AB Address:
Rue du Septième Wing — 7950 Chièvres, Belgium
SHAPE Address:
Rue Grande — 7010, Mons, Belgium
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SOF Professional Development
General Information
The NSOU Professional Development Branch provides two
resident courses: the Comprehensive Defence (Countering
Hybrid Threats (CHT), Resilience and Resistance) Course
and the NATO SOF Instructor Training Course.
The new CHT, Resilience and Resistance Course addresses CHT and
comprehensive defence across the spectrum of competition, crisis,
and conflict with a dual-module residential course design that allows
students to attend the residential education modules after completion
of the Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL) portion. Students are
not required to attend Module 2 if it is not within their professional
requirements, but cannot take this as a stand-alone module without
having completed the ADLs and Module 1.
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Comprehensive Defence
(CHT, Resilience, and Resistance) Course
Course ID: NSOF-506 ETOC: SOF-SO-36804
Duration: ADL — 25 hours study over 4 weeks; residential learning
(RL) 8.0 academic days in two modules.
Pre-resident Course (ADL): Introduction to hybrid threats and

comprehensive defence fundamentals including aspects of NATO
Article 3 and the whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach
methodology.
Module 1: Comprehensive Defence — CHT (Week 1): CHT including
national preparedness, resilience, deterrence, and developing an
outline for a national strategic CHT framework through the peacetime,
competition, and crisis/conflict phases employing a cross-sector
whole-of-government approach with societal involvement (~5 days in
length).
Module 2: Comprehensive Defence — Resilience and Resistance
(Week 2): Planning for comprehensive defence with focus on
resilience, including responding to malicious attacks and building an
asymmetric defence component (resistance capabilities) (~3 days in
length). This dual module strategy consists of course content that is
evidence based and will employ lessons and practical exercises (PEs)
focused on comprehensive defence plans and examples from different
European nations to highlight comprehensive defence best practices
across the spectrum of conflict.
Aim: Offer best practices and practical implementation of methods,
strategies and procedures for whole-of-government and whole-of-
society CHT and comprehensive defence efforts, including enhancing
resilience, deterring threats, defending nations, and if necessary,
resisting invading powers. The course provides professionals, at
differing levels, the tools and resources to assess and develop CHT
and comprehensive defence requirements and design approaches;
it trains them in applying preparedness, resilience, and response
measures; and it offers considerations for application in differing
security environments.
Objective: At the conclusion of the ADL, students will be able to
identify hybrid threat techniques, approaches, and actors and
specify national vulnerabilities to hybrid threats. They will be able
to provide the key elements of a comprehensive defence, including
aspects of NATO Article 3. They will be able to discuss how employing
cross-sectoral and whole-of-society approaches are essential to
comprehensive defence and describe comprehensive defence-related
organizations in NATO.
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Module 1 (Residential): The student will learn to specify key
principles of civil preparedness to enable national resilience; be able
to state comprehensive defence differences that exist throughout
various nations; and explain the risks to a nation across the spectrum
of competition, crisis, and conflict. Students will be able to identify
methods on how to overcome cross-sector differences, using a whole-
of-government and whole-of-society plan. Students will be able to
describe the role of the military and national SOF with regard to
comprehensive defence. The module culminates with an outline of
how a strategy employing ends, ways, and means can assist a nation
in CHT.
Module 2 (Residential): The student will describe the layered defence
concept as it relates to deterrence and comprehensive defence
structures. They will be able to generalize the roles and missions
of military organizations in comprehensive defence, identifying the
various roles and missions of the national armed forces, home guard,
asymmetric defence component, and national SOF. Using key aspects
of past national resistance efforts during military occupation, students

will create a plan of national response measures to major malicious
attacks and armed conflicts.
Target Audience: This course is designed for planners in mid-level
intelligence, security, and contingency planning roles for Alliance
nations (or select partners) who may be tasked with planning and
implementing CHT and comprehensive defence measures. It is
recommended that military students have a broad tactical background
along with experience above the tactical level or appropriate military
education at staff college level or advanced military school. Civilian
students should have academic and/or work-related experience
beyond the entry level in any of the following sectors: diplomatic, non-
governmental organization, governmental, information, intelligence,
law enforcement, transportation infrastructure, health, cyber
security, technology, economic, energy, inter-agency, emergency
services, military services (in particular SOF), public and private
critical infrastructure entities, home guard and reserve forces, or
other specialized whole-of-government expertise. An understanding
of both NATO and SOF missions along with the comprehensive and
inter-agency methodologies is desirable but not essential.
Rank Level: OF2–OF5, OR9, warrant officers, and civilians (up to
deputy ministers) as identified in the above target audience.
Requirements: A NATO SECRET clearance is preferred to allow
unescorted access to NSOU facilities, but is not mandatory for course
attendance.
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NATO SOF Instructor Training
Duration: 5 academic days of RL (also available via ADL when necessary)
Aim: To support the NSOU instructor, course director, and course officers
of primary responsibility (OPR) requirements and assist contributing
subject matter experts (SMEs) in presenting instructionally and
technically rigorous educational content in varied environments, in
which to teach and learn. This is accomplished by placing an emphasis
on designing, developing, delivering, and evaluating presentations
focused on specific objectives.
Objective: Students will apply a range of instructional strategies and
practices to plan, develop, deliver, and evaluate a lesson relevant to
their national or Alliance staff function.
Description: The NATO SOF Instructor Training (NSIT) course is a
hybrid learning solution, designed to be delivered residentially in
a classroom, but may also be delivered virtually if necessary. It is
specifically designed to provide experienced or advanced instructors,
instructor supervisors, course directors, and course OPRs/SMEs,
with the knowledge and skills necessary to promote and maintain
engagement and motivation when designing, developing, delivering,
or evaluating a lesson in a multinational, cross-cultural environment.
Assessment of learning is both formative and summative, with
students actively demonstrating their understanding of the material
by formatively constructing all components of a lesson plan and
delivering the lesson to the cohort.
This course is delivered with a three-tiered focus.
1. Students will learn how to plan, develop, and deliver lessons
focused on specific, student-focused learning objectives.
Students will also learn essential instructional methodologies
including overcoming the fear of public speaking, effective
questioning techniques, body language, classroom leadership,
formal assessment, and eliciting cooperation and participation
from learners.
2. Students will gain functional knowledge of and learn their roles/
responsibilities in the training needs analysis process as a course
director/branch director and/or course OPR/SME in accordance
with the NATO Systems Approach to Training method.
3. Students will learn instructional leadership skills and evaluation
strategies by formally evaluating each other in class, providing
meaningful and constructive feedback, and adhering to mandatory
NATO quality assurance policies.
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Target Audience: This course is designed for staff assigned to SOFCOM
in an instructional role, including course directors, branch directors,
officers of primary responsibility, and select staff officers. The course
is also available via a mobile education training team (METT) (upon
request) to the instructional staff at NATO education and training
facilities, partner nation institutions, and centres of excellence.
Requirements: Students should have a 3232 in English language skill
and should be comfortable speaking English in front of groups.
If delivered online, the course requires the following:
• A personal computer (Windows (XP, Windows Server 2008, or more
recent) or Mac (Mac OS X 10.8 — Mountain Lion or newer version)).
• Internet connectivity by modem, ADSL, or cable (1Kb/s or more).
• Speaker and microphone compatible with virtual/online
collaboration tools.
A NATO SECRET clearance is preferred to allow unescorted access to
NSOU facilities, but is not mandatory for course attendance.
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NATO Leadership Academy
General Information
The NATO Leadership Academy provides professional development for
both SOF officers and non-commissioned officers (NCOs). Given the
global challenges faced by the Alliance, it remains imperative that
NATO SOF continue to develop interoperability and capability, while
continuing to grow capacity in a unified and cohesive manner. Beyond
weaponry and technology, a key differentiator between a NATO SOF
operator and their threat counterpart is the ability to apply critical
and strategic thinking in a rapid manner to solve problems as they
present themselves on the battlefield.
The NATO Leadership Academy focuses on the development of

leadership command teams at the levels of the special operations task
unit (SOTU), special operations task group (SOTG), and SOCC, as well
as executive leadership positions at NATO SOF entities and support
elements. Educational courses are delivered as a systematic training
and education continuum, with four stages of progression aligned with
each of the leadership levels. The academy has been designed to
accommodate different levels of standards and experiences across the
NATO SOF Alliance.
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NATO SOF Leadership Courses
Duration: A distance learning (DL) phase (timings vary depending
on the level of the course) that contains weekly ADL modules and
assignments intended to be completed around busy work schedules,
plus an RL of 10 days completed over a 12-day period after the DL has
finished.
Aim: To enhance the education of NATO SOF officer and NCO students
and allow them to maximize their effectiveness as members of NATO
and partner nations’ SOF from the tactical to strategic levels.
Objective: To enhance the education of SOF command teams in NATO
and Allied partnered nations’ relevant SOTU, SOTG, SOCC, and at the
executive enterprise level, creating a standard level of education
that allows graduates to effectively operate within the NATO SOF
environment.
Description: All four levels are comprised of two distinct phases.
1. A DL phase of asynchronous self-study via the NSOU ADL platform.
2. An RL phase of 10 days of synchronous, guided learning in the
classroom.
NATO SOF Junior Leaders Course

Duration: ADL of 4 weeks; RL of 10 days over a 12-day period per
course, conducted with METTs in various nations. There are four
scheduled iterations for the academic year 2023–2024.
Target Audience: OR-4/6 and OF-1/3, serving at a tactical (SOTU) level.
NATO SOF Mid-level Leaders Course

Duration: ADL of 8 weeks; RL of 10 days over a 12-day period per
course, conducted with METTs in various nations. There are two
iterations scheduled for the academic year 2023–2024.
Target Audience: OR-5/7 and OF-3/4, serving or preparing to serve
at a tactical/operational (SOTG) level.
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NATO SOF Senior Leaders Course
Duration: DL of 14 weeks; RL of 10 days over a 12-day period per
course, conducted at NSOU. There are two iterations scheduled for
the academic year 2023–2024.
Target Audience: OR-7/8 and OF-4/5, serving or preparing to serve
at an operational (SOCC) level.
NATO SOF Executive Leaders Course

Duration: ADL of 6 weeks; RL of 10 days over a 12-day period per course.
The first week is conducted at NSOU. The second week is conducted in-
conjunction with the 2024 Spring SOF Commander’s Conference.
Target Audience: OR-9 and OF-6/9, serving or preparing to serve
as commanders and commanding senior enlisted leaders of strategic-
level Allied or national SOF commands (SOFCOM, special operations
commands, joint special operations commands, and ministry- or
department-level offices).
The programme implements the same 10 basic content threads

throughout the four courses:
• Global SOF Studies: Evaluating the implications of current and
emerging threats to SOF.
• Leading and communicating effectively in the NATO SOF
environment.
• Developing effective NATO SOF command team relationships
(officer/NCO teams).
• Problem-solving and innovation in complex and ambiguous
environments.
• Strategic thinking in the 21st century (design thinking, ethical,
creative, systems, critical thinking, and thinking in time).
• Special operations in contemporary and future warfare.
• NATO, SOFCOM, and national policy implications at the tactical,
operational, and strategic levels.
• Understanding the value of international and inter-agency
partnerships for NATO SOF (diversity and culture).
• Investigating the implications of technology in NATO SOF: science,
technology, and innovation on the battlefield (cyber, artificial
intelligence, and autonomous).
• Learning from the past to prepare for the future: investigating
historical perspectives and how they inform future thinking (past,
present, and future).
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Each course level (junior, mid-level, senior, and executive) is taught
at a different depth of knowledge and level of learning, according to
Bloom’s Taxonomy, in the cognitive and affective domains from the
basic level (follow) to the intermediate level (assist), to the advanced
level (apply), to the expert level (enable/advise), and finally to the
mastered level (initiate/shape/influence). There are overlaps of rank
allowed due to different rank structures and career profiles within the
NATO Alliance and partner nations.
Requirements: Students should have a 3322 rating in English language
skills and should be comfortable speaking English in front of groups.
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Operational Studies Branch
General Information
The NSOU Operational Studies Branch provides eight
resident courses: the NATO SOCC Staff Course — Hybrid
Delivery; the NATO SOCC Planning Course; the NATO SOCC
Joint Operations Centre (JOC)/Air Operations Centre (AOC) Course;
the NATO SOF Evaluation (SOFEVAL) Course; the NATO SOF Personnel
Recovery (PR) Course; the NATO SOF Advisory and Liaison Basic
Course; and the Building SOF Capability Course (Managerial Level).
The courses range in length from 1 to 2 weeks.
While the courses are designed to stand alone to cater to individual
or national requirements, NSOU recommends that students attend
courses in sequence when possible. For anyone serving at a national
SOF or within a NATO SOF structure, it is suggested they first attend
the NATO SOCC Staff Course — Hybrid Delivery, as it sets a baseline for
NATO doctrine, terminology, and the processes necessary to work as
a SOCC staff member. The NATO SOCC Planning and NATO SOCC JOC
courses are the next recommended courses, as they are designed to
develop skills and knowledge in operational planning and working in
a NATO SOCC JOC.
Staff personnel who require the skills to serve as a SOFEVAL element
at NATO or the national level are encouraged to attend the NATO
SOFEVAL Course.
The NATO SOF PR Course prepares students for the planning and
execution of NATO SOF PR in support of national NATO missions.
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ADL 101 Introduction to
NATO Special Operations
Course ID: N/A ETOC: SOF-SO-15630
Duration: 1 hour, self-directed
Aim: To provide students with foundational knowledge of the
framework of NATO SOCC operations.
Objective: At the end of this online course, students will be able to:
• Outline the role of special operations in NATO.
• Identify the principal tasks of NATO SOF.
• Recognize the contributions of SOF air and maritime forces.
• Outline the criteria for SOF employment within NATO.
Description: ADL 101 is an asynchronous e-Learning module
encompassing themes that provide the reference point for NATO SOF
in terms of SOF’s role in NATO, the principal tasks used, the unique
characteristics of NATO SOF, and the special employment criteria
applied before their use. Also examined is the use of enablers,
such as maritime and air, that are vital to the execution of SOF
missions. The module uses contemporary e-Learning principles and
methodologies to make the learning relevant and accessible to all
types of learners through a user-friendly learning management system
(LMS). Assessment of learning is both formative and summative and
includes interactive videos, quizzes, and case studies, alongside
question banks that offer a range of question types proven to assess
learning effectively.
Target Audience: Any staff member from NATO Command Structure,
NATO force structure, and SOFCOM, who requires an introductory
level of knowledge on NATO SOF doctrine, may take the course.
Personnel from Allied and partner SOF nations, non-NATO nations, and
single-service HQs who may be supporting or being supported by SOF
in operations and exercises can also access the solution through a
registered ILIAS account.
A personal computer (Windows (XP, Windows Server 2008, or more
Internet connectivity by modem, ADSL, or cable (1Kb/s or more).
Speaker and microphone compatible with virtual/online collaboration
tools.
A NATO SECRET clearance is not required for this ADL course.
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ADL 102 Fundamentals of NATO SOCC Operations
Course ID: N/A ETOC: SOF-SO-16849
Duration: 1 hour, self-directed
Aim: To provide students with foundational knowledge of the
framework of NATO SOCC operations and to address four areas
of importance: identifying the chain of command between
operational planning and the execution of NATO special operations,
understanding the importance of clear command and control (C2)
relationships within NATO operations, recognizing how the levels
of C2 are delineated in NATO SOF, and understanding how SOCC
command and liaison elements enhance interoperability between
NATO SOF and the joint task force (JTF) HQ.
Objective: At the end of this online course, students will be able to:
• Describe the role and responsibilities of a NATO SOCC.
• Identify command relationships that apply to SOCC operations.
• Recognize how NATO special operations are integrated into the
NATO C2 structure.
• Identify roles and functions of SOCC liaison elements.
Description: ADL 102 is an asynchronous e-Learning module
encompassing themes that provide the reference point for NATO
SOF and how it organizes its forces under a SOCC. Specifically, it
covers the chain of command between operational planning and
execution of NATO special operations, the C2 relationships that
are unique to NATO SOF, and how liaison elements underpin and
enhance interoperability between NATO SOF and the JTF HQ. The
module uses contemporary e-Learning principles and methodologies
to make the learning relevant and accessible to all types of learners
through a user-friendly LMS. Assessment of learning is both
formative and summative and includes interactive videos, quizzes,
and case studies, alongside question banks that offer a range of
question types proven to assess learning effectively.
Target Audience: Any staff member from the NATO Command
Structure, NATO force structure, and SOFCOM, who requires a depth
of knowledge 100 level of formal training on NATO SOF doctrine, may
take the course. Personnel from Allied and partner SOF nations, non-
NATO nations, and single-service HQs who may be supporting or be
supported by SOF in operations and exercises can also access the
solution through a registered ILIAS account.
21
A personal computer (Windows (XP, Windows Server 2008, or more
Internet connectivity by modem, ADSL, or cable (1Kb/s or more).
Speaker and microphone compatible with virtual/online collaboration
tools.
22
NATO SOCC Staff Course — Hybrid Delivery
Duration: 5 academic days (1 week)
Aim: To provide students with a baseline of knowledge in various staff
processes to allow effective employment as a NATO SOCC staff member.
Objective: Students will be able to operate at the component level
as NATO SOCC staff members.
Description: The NATO SOCC Staff Course — Hybrid Delivery sets the
baseline for doctrine, terminology, and processes necessary to work in
a NATO SOCC or equivalent component command HQ. The curriculum
focuses on how a component command-level HQ of a joint task force
synchronizes special operations across a given theatre to achieve
operational- and strategic-level effects.
The course is centred on the following themes: NATO SOF, NATO SOF
integration, NATO SOF liaison, NATO SOF planning considerations, and
NATO SOF operations. In addition, the course covers the organization,
responsibilities, and processes of a SOCC, allowing students to gain
exposure to the employment of SOTGs and special operations air task
groups (SOATGs) in a joint operational environment.
The NATO SOCC Staff Course — Hybrid Delivery is a hybrid learning
solution, designed to be delivered residentially in a classroom, but
may be delivered virtually if necessary. The course is also available
via METT (upon request).
Target Audience: This course is designed for officers, warrant officers,
senior NCOs (OR-6 to OF-4), and civilians with varied backgrounds who
will be working, supporting, or be supported at the SOCC level.
Before the course begins, students must successfully complete two
ADL courses: ADL 101—Introduction to NATO Special Operations and
ADL 102—Fundamentals of NATO SOCC Operations.
Students must obtain a Joint Advanced Distributed Learning (JADL) account
to access the prerequisite materials and, for the ADL version of the NATO
SOCC Staff Course — Hybrid Delivery, to access the online classroom.
For ADL prerequisites and online delivery, the course requires the
following:
• A personal computer (Windows (XP, Windows Server 2008, or more
• Internet connectivity by modem, ADSL, or cable (1Kb/s or more).
• Speaker and microphone compatible with virtual/online
collaboration tools.
23
NATO SOCC Planning Course
Duration: 10 academic days (2 weeks)
Aim: To educate students on conducting theatre SOF operational-/
component-level planning and operational art and design as members
of a NATO SOCC planning team.
Objective: Each graduate will be able to conduct operational planning
at the component level and produce, as a member of a planning
team, a SOCC component-level plan using the appropriate operational
planning processes and references.
Description: The NATO SOCC Planning Course is designed to educate
students on SOCC-level operations planning to enable them to perform
as members of the plans branch of a SOCC HQ or of a special operations
planning and liaison element (SOPLE) deployed to an operational-
level HQ. As such, the course is focused at the operational level
and conducted in large-group, split plenary sessions. It incorporates
PEs in syndicates and culminates with a 40-hour syndicate practicum
replicating component-level planning.
Target Audience: This course is designed for staff officers (OF-2 to

OF-5), warrant officers, and senior NCOs (OR-8 to OR-9) with varied
SOF backgrounds from operations (sea, air, land) to intelligence and
logistics. Additionally, it is mandatory that the students are already
members of a SOF HQ or are planning for such an assignment.
The NATO SOCC Staff Course — Hybrid Delivery is a prerequisite for this
course. Furthermore, the course has a computer-heavy curriculum, so
students should be comfortable with Microsoft Windows and Microsoft
Office 2010.
24
NATO SOCC Joint Operations Centre/
Air Operations Centre Course
Aim: To prepare students to perform as a member of NATO SOCC/

special operations air command (SOAC) future operations (J35) and as a
member of NATO SOCC/SOAC current operations (J33).
Objective: Upon completion of the course, students will comprehend

NATO component-level processes and will be able to apply that
knowledge to the SOCC/SOAC procedures employed in a SOCC/SOAC
J35 and/or a SOCC/SOAC J33.
Description: The SOCC JOC/AOC Course instructs students on how to

plan, execute, and battletrack special operations at the SOCC level.
• Module 1 (Introduction to SOF) is designed to establish a foundation of
knowledge by focusing on the SOF mindset, SOF C2, component-level
mission planning cycles, and mission enablers.
• Module 2 (Future Operations) focuses on the concept of operations
(CONOPS) development and approval processes. In addition to an
internal SOCC perspective, Module 2 also covers the coordination
and delivery of support to higher HQs, component commanders,
and subordinate units.
• Module 3 (Current Operations) focuses on SOCC-/SOAC-level
battletracking and harmonization of SOF effects within a common
battlespace.
Emphasis is placed on JOC processes, procedures, and products
that contribute to a commander’s decision-making process, battle
rhythm, and situational awareness (SA). In the course, there is
an introduction to the communication and information systems
(CIS) tools required to support both the J35 and J33 functions. The
course is conducted in large-group plenary lessons, in small-group
PEs, and as a large-group practicum in concert with the SOAC AOC
Course (ADP-03).

and senior NCOs (OR-6 to OF-5) who are likely to be employed by their
nation as a staff member within a deployed SOCC J35/J33/SOAC.
25
It is mandatory that applicants have already graduated from the NATO
SOCC Staff Course — Hybrid Delivery. The course has a computer-
heavy curriculum, so students should be comfortable with Microsoft
Office 2010, JChat, and NCOP.
A NATO SECRET security clearance is REQUIRED for this course,
validated by the national training manager, and students must prove
this is held upon enrolment in the course and have a hard copy in their
possession upon arrival at NSOU.
26
NATO SOF Evaluation Course
Duration: 4 academic days
Aim: To educate students on the SOFEVAL programme and develop
the skills required to serve as a SOFEVAL team chief, area chief, team
member, or monitor.
Objective: Course graduates will be able to apply the skills necessary
to observe, evaluate, and implement the fundamentals of the SOFEVAL
programme as well as analyse an exercise and provide feedback on
their observations.
Description: The NATO SOFEVAL Course is designed to prepare
future NATO SOF evaluators to observe and evaluate a SOCC HQ or
SOTG as a member of a SOFEVAL team. Students will demonstrate
their knowledge of procedures learned in classroom sessions during
simulated exercise events where they will practise and apply the skills
and processes required of an evaluator/SOFEVAL team member. The
course culminates in the preparation of written reports in accordance
with the SOFEVAL standards in ACO Forces Standards Volume XI.
Graduates will be able to use the relevant aspects of the SOFEVAL
programme to evaluate and provide feedback within their functional
area of expertise regarding a unit’s capability and combat readiness
to conduct NATO special operations.
Target Audience: This course is intended for officers, NCOs, and
civilians selected by their respective nations to serve on a SOF
evaluation team, or selected by SOFCOM to serve as a NATO monitor.
Students should possess subject matter expertise in both national and
NATO SOF policy.
skills and should be comfortable presenting and briefing to an audience
in English. Students must also have a proven ability to work and
collaborate in a live or simulated live environment. Although there
is no mandatory requirement, it is recommended that students have
previous experience as a member of a national SOCC, task group HQ, or
equivalent. Students should be comfortable using Microsoft Office and
associated products.
NSOU facilities for resident courses, but is not mandatory for METT
course attendance.
27
NATO SOF Personnel Recovery Course
Course ID: NSOF 515 ETOC: SOF-SO-35554
Duration: 5 academic days (1 week) and an upstream JADL preparation
phase
Aim: To develop the necessary knowledge and skills of SOF PR to enable
students to develop and execute a SOF PR capability, with a focus on non-
conventional assisted recovery (NAR) and covert-assisted recovery (CAR)
operations, in support of national and NATO missions.
Objective: Students will be able to describe the NATO joint PR system.
Students will apply planning considerations for SOF PR (NAR AND CAR)
operations.
Description: The NATO SOF PR Course is designed to prepare students to
be part of a SOCC-level PR team responsible for planning and executing
NATO SOF PR. The course provides students with the fundamental
knowledge and skills to plan and execute NATO SOF PR operations, conduct
gap analysis, and develop NAR/CAR capabilities. The course starts with
a suggested JADL course in which the student can get or brush up on the
basics of conventional joint PR. The JADL course starts 4 weeks before the
component NATO SOF PR Course and the student decides their own learning
speed. The course must be completed 1 week before the residential course
begins. In the following 5 days, academic lectures, syndicate discussions,
and PEs are conducted to enable students to develop the ability to plan,
coordinate, and execute an appropriate SOF PR mission to recover an
isolated individual.
Target Audience: The target audience includes military officers, NCOs,
and members of civilian agencies. The main focus will be SOCC personnel
recovery coordination cell (PRCC) staff officers, but all other military
students should be part of a SOCC-level PRCC or recovery structure as
well, including J-/air codes and non-SOF enablers who will support a SOF
PR mission. Civilian agency students should be embedded in agencies that
may be used to assist in the development of PR capabilities at national or
NATO levels.
Requirements: Students should have experience in national joint PR;
survival, evasion, resistance, and extraction experience; a 3333 rating in
English language skills and should be comfortable speaking English in front
of groups. In addition, students should be comfortable using Microsoft
Office.
28
NATO SOF Advisory and Liaison Basic Course
Description: The NATO SOF Advisory and Liaison Basic Course replaces
the SPOFAD/LO WS and is a venue for future SOF advisors (SOFADs),
liaison officers (LOs), and members of a SOF liaison element to receive
specific training in SOFAD and LO duties and to share best practices
and lessons learned.
Target Audience: This course is designed for officers, NCOs, and
civilians selected to serve as NATO SOF LOs, SOFADs, members of the
Office of Special Operations, and other NATO SOF liaison elements.
Requirements: It is a mandatory requirement that students have
previous experience as a member of a national SOCC or equivalent
HQ and have successfully completed the NATO SOCC Staff Course —
Hybrid Delivery, SOCC Planning Course, and SOCC JOC/AOC Course.
Completing the NSIT course is also recommended. Students should
have a 3332 rating in English language skills and should be comfortable
speaking English in front of groups. In addition, students should be
comfortable using Microsoft Office.
29
Building SOF Capability Course (Managerial Level)
Duration: 5 academic days of RL (course starts on a Monday and ends
on a Friday)
Aim: This course delivers education, training, and cross-communication
skills to NATO and partner nations on the processes and complexities
associated with building, developing, implementing, and sustaining a
national SOF capability or adding a new capacity.
Objective: Relate the SOF organizational concept and apply the SOF
capability-building process.
Description: This course is based on lectures, discussions, syndicate
activities, and PEs. The course is led by knowledgeable NATO SOF leaders
for strategic- and managerial-level leaders within NATO and partner
nations, on the comprehensive approach and procedures required to
develop a SOF capability within participants’ respective nations.
The programme design is a 5-day hybrid course that applies a
discussion-based learning theory and a blended learning strategy that
includes lectures, syndicates, peer-to-peer engagements, vignettes,
examples, and practical application for educational delivery. The
course consists of an asynchronous DL portion, followed by a 5-day

residential classroom portion.
Course content is strictly based on the content of the Building SOF
Capability Handbook, as well as historical and operational evidence
of past successes from NATO SOF leaders. Lessons, discussions,
and practical sessions are developed and delivered by a team of
international SMEs with broad experience in NATO SOF and force
development.
Target Audience: NATO/Allied nations and partner nations are the
target audience. This course is designed for SOF, military, and civilian
managerial-level leaders from partner to NATO nations, within the
ranks of OF-2 to OF-5 and OR-7 to OR-9, or civilian equivalent. An
understanding of SOF capabilities and military force development is
desirable but not required.
Before the course begins, students must successfully complete three
ADL courses: ADL 101 — Introduction to NATO Special Operations; ADL
102 — Fundamentals of NATO SOCC Operations; and Fundamentals of
Military Assistance (MA) and introduction to NATO Partnership framework
Students must obtain a JADL account to access the prerequisite
materials.
30
Air Development Division
General Information
The SOFCOM Air Development Directorate (ADD) is the primary point
of direction and coordination for NATO special operations air-related
activities to enhance capability and interoperability while creating a
quality human network. The SOFCOM ADD provides five tactical- and
operational-level courses: NATO Special Operations Air Planning Course
(SOAPC), NATO SOF Air Mission Commanders Course (SOAMCC), Special
Operations Air Task Group Course (SOATGC), and the Special Operations
Air Command Air Operations Centre Course (SOAC AOC) Course, which
is executed together with the NATO SOCC JOC/AOC Course. SOAPC and
SOATGC can be requested as a METT. Additionally, ADD provides the
SOF Air Mission Execution (SOAMEx), formerly called SOF Air Mission
Challenge, which delivers unique special operations air task unit
(SOATU)/SOATG level training in a simulated SOF mission environment.
The ADD courses described below are designed for NATO and
partnering countries’ SOF air-related personnel (aviators, airmen,
staff, air-land integration, air liaison, and air C2 element personnel)
of all experience levels to improve their understanding, effectiveness,
and decision-making/leadership skills in special operations while in a
NATO C2/joint environment.
The ADD recommends attending the courses in a logical order depending

on the student’s position and experience. Generally, the SOAPC at the
SOATU level is taken first, as an introduction to the SOF air mission
planning process and ADD itself. The SOAPC is also suggested before
enrolling in the SOAMCC, but not required. SOATGC introduces the
staff environment. The SOAC AOC Course is the last course to complete
the knowledge background of a NATO SOF airman from a component
command perspective. It is preferred that those planning to participate
in the SOAMEx should have attended at least one of the ADD courses
before registering (not mandatory). Those who apply for the SOAMEx+
(task group personnel) should have attended the SOATGC to receive the
best feedback from this battle staff training.
31
Allied Tactical Air Mission Simulator
ADD uses the Allied Tactical Air Mission Simulator (ATAMS), a VBS4-
based system that consists of 20 workstations capable of replicating
rotary-wing (RW) and fixed-wing (FW) cockpits; vehicles; individual
and squad weapon systems; ground forces; intelligence, surveillance,
and reconnaissance (ISR); and fires. The simulator focuses less on flying
skills and capabilities and more on critical thinking; problem-solving;
communication; interoperability; tactics, techniques, and procedures
(TTP); and maintaining the appropriate mindset. Examples of available
assets are SOATU RW medium (CH-47 type) and light (Griffin type),
SOATU FW (C-130 type), ISR (R1 Shadow type), and direct support RW
(AH-64 type), along with numerous ground vehicles, equipment, and
armaments.
32
NATO Special Operations Air Planning Course
Course ID: ADD-01 ETOC: SOF-SO-32062
Duration: 8 academic days/can be requested as a METT
Aim: To develop a SOF mindset by creating opportunities for students
to problem-solve, use critical thinking skills, and build the skills
required for NATO SOF air planning staff in terms of integration and
interoperability within a NATO C2 structure. The course will also
introduce NATO SOATU planning and briefing guidelines for special
operations air mission planning and provide an opportunity for planning
staff and aircrew to brief at a tactical level in a NATO environment.
Objective: Students will apply NATO special operations air mission
planning processes using NATO special operations doctrine and special
operations air manuals and guidelines within a NATO C2 structure.
They will display a SOF mindset by engaging with critical thinking
opportunities throughout the course.
Description: The SOAPC will equip students with the ability to
engage in all phases of the special operations air mission planning
process. SOATU and SOATG tactical planners will plan, coordinate,
and integrate objectives, resources, and environmental factors to
support special operations. The educational methodologies employed
in the course are lectures, guided discussions, analysis of operational
vignettes, and PEs.
Target Audience: This course is designed for NATO SOATU/SOATG
mission planners and special operations air land integration (SOALI)
personnel (officers/NCOs up to including OF-3) who will be assigned
to coordinate, plan, or lead RW/tilt-rotor and FW SOF air/aviation.
33
NATO SOF Air Mission Commanders Course
Aim: To build skills necessary for NATO SOF air mission commanders
(AMCs) to operate effectively in a NATO environment; to introduce
NATO SOF AMC standards for air mission planning, AMC briefing,
and mission preparation and execution; to use the SOF mindset in
problem-solving, critical thinking, decision-making, and leadership;
and to develop NATO SOF air leaders capable of operating in a NATO
environment and implementing AMC programmes within their nations.
Objective: Students will demonstrate the NATO SOF AMC mindset,
competencies, and principles for operating in a joint environment.
Description: The SOAMCC prepares students to lead special air warfare
operations within the joint environment. Students will apply the
knowledge and procedures learned throughout the course as they react
to various operational scenarios by leading special air operations in the
ATAMS. Students will use critical thinking, risk management analysis,
problem-solving, decision-making, and leadership skills to plan and
conduct special air operations.
Target Audience: This course is designed for mid-level to senior-
level NATO aviation officers (officers up to and including OF-4)
either assigned to, or preparing for, a NATO SOF aviation task unit.
Students should be experienced aviators in their aircrew positions,
and considered suitably experienced to undertake AMC duties under
national selection criteria.
At a minimum, pilots will be aircraft commander/captain qualified.
All other aircrew positions should have an appropriate experience.
It is recommended that students have air decision-making process
(ADMP) knowledge or have already attended the SOAPC.
34
NATO SOCC Joint Operations Centre/
Air Operations Centre Course
Aim: To prepare students to perform as a member of NATO SOCC/
SOAC future operations (J35) and as a member of NATO SOCC/SOAC
current operations (J33).
Objective: Upon completion of the course, students will comprehend
NATO component-level processes and will be able to apply that
knowledge to the SOCC/SOAC procedures employed in a SOCC/SOAC
J35 and/or a SOCC/SOAC J33.
Description: The SOAC AOC Course is part of the NATO SOCC JOC
Course and instructs students on how to plan, execute, and battletrack
special operations at the SOCC/SOAC level. This course shouldn’t be
understood as an AOC course itself (see additional recommendation
below).
• Module 1 (Introduction to SOF) is designed to establish a foundation
of knowledge by focusing on the SOF mindset, SOF C2, component-
level mission planning cycles, and mission enablers.
• Module 2 (Future Operations) focuses on the CONOPS development
and approval processes. In addition to an internal SOCC perspective,
Module 2 also covers the coordination and delivery of support to
higher HQs, component commanders, and subordinate units.
• Module 3 (Current Operations) focuses on SOCC-/SOAC-level
battletracking and harmonization of SOF effects within a common
battlespace.
• The course can also be delivered in an ADL format, together with
the SOCC JOC Course, should circumstances make the normal
resident version impossible or nations request it.
Emphasis is placed on SOCC JOC/AOC processes, procedures, and
products that contribute to a commander’s decision-making process,
battle rhythm, and SA. In the course, there is an introduction to the
CIS tools required to support both the J35 and J33 functions, with
focus on the JOC. The course is conducted in large-group plenary
lessons, in small-group PEs, and as a large-group practicum in concert
with the SOCC JOC/AOC Course (SOF-SO-31910). The ADL version of
this course is conducted on the NATO ACT JADL site through self-
study, discussion boards, and live sessions via video teleconference.
35
and senior NCOs (OR-6 to OF-5) who are SOF air personnel and who
are likely to be employed by their nations as staff members within a
deployed SOCC J35/J33, SOAC J35/J33, or national SOF HQs.
The NATO SOCC Staff Course — Hybrid Delivery is a prerequisite for this
course. Furthermore, the course has a computer-heavy curriculum,
so students should be comfortable with Microsoft Windows and
Microsoft Office.
Additional Recommendation: The NATO Education and Training
Opportunities Catalogue contains trainings offered by NATO centres of
excellence for the air domain/discipline. The ADD recommends two
courses to attend as preparation for a future role in a SOAC AOC or in
the joint forces air component as a special operations liaison element
(SOLE).
• FRA CASPOA, ETOC # AOP-JF-21250.
• ITA NATO DACCC, ETOC # AOP-JF-12365.
36
NATO Special Operations Air Task Group Course
Duration: 4 academic days/can be requested as a METT
Aim: To prepare SOF airmen and assigned personnel to operate in the
NATO SOF environment as part of an SOATG structure by developing
and improving an understanding of an SOATG in terms of organization,
function, process, and staff member responsibilities necessary to
operate efficiently and effectively in support of a SOCC. The SOATGC
builds the skills required for NATO SOATG staff in terms of integration
and interoperability within a NATO C2 structure.
Objective: Students will identify the importance of SOF air integration
and the relevance of the SOF mindset. They will be able to operate
as a NATO SOATG staff member, in support of an SOATG, as a member
of a SOLE or special operations C2 element (SOCCE), or an SOATG LO.
Description: The SOATGC is designed to prepare SOF airmen and
designated support staff to operate as part of a functioning SOATG
within a NATO environment. The course provides the students with
an overview of the function and utility of an SOATG as well as the
knowledge and tools to plan, employ, and integrate special air
warfare focused on current and future operations within a NATO SOF
C2 structure. Additionally, students will be introduced to the SOF
mindset and will apply it throughout the course. The SOATGC can also
be delivered as an “Introduction to” version in an ADL format, should
circumstances make the normal resident version impossible or nations
request it.
Target Audience: This course is intended for personnel designated to
be a staff member within or in support of a NATO SOATG or SOF (air)
liaison elements (SOLE, SOPLE, SOCCE, SOATG LO).
37
NATO SOF Air Mission Execution
(previously NATO SOF Air Mission Challenge)
Duration: 9 training days
Aim: To develop, improve, and validate NATO SOF air standards to
enhance integration and interoperability of SOF airmen within NATO.
The course provides a forum to share the SOF mindset and TTP through
a joint and combined approach to planning and executing missions.
The course is conducted within a NATO SOF standard force construct,
using the associated standard planning procedures and processes and
NATO standard CIS.
Objective: SOATU and SOALI operators, along with SOATG staff, will
plan, coordinate, brief, rehearse, execute, and debrief missions within
an air-heavy special operation scenario using NATO CIS/information
technology tools and NATO SOF air manuals, guidelines, and checklists.
Operators will execute the missions in a simulated environment by
assessing their air mission planning skills and TTP. SOATU operators
and staff will plan, lead, and execute integrated missions with RW, FW,
and ISR assets. Actual intelligence and real-world databases will be
used and blended with a virtual learning environment. Upon request,
the SOAMEx is capable of including battle staff training to SOATG key
personnel as an additional training audience (becoming an SOAMEx+).
Description: The NATO SOAMEx is a 9-day, instructor-/facilitator-

led resident course, in the ATAMS and adjacent planning rooms and
battle labs. One and a half days are dedicated to academic refreshers
(focused on the ADMP), simulator familiarization, and scenario lead-
in. As from the second day, the training audience is integrated in the
scenario order of battle with each individual being part of an SOATU,
SOTU, or SOALI task unit. Based upon mission orders injected by the
SOATG (represented by exercise control (EXCON)), the planning cycle,
in accordance with the ADMP, is started. Under the lead of appointed
AMCs, the training audience completes all the different steps of the
ADMP at the SOATU level and gets mentored throughout the complete
cycle. The planning includes coordination with the supported
ground force commander and staffing with the higher echelon SOATG
(conducted by EXCON). The final planning product is briefed during
the air mission briefing and rehearsed during a rehearsal of concept
drill before being executed in the ATAMS. During the execution in
the ATAMS, the training audience gets confronted with the quality
of their planning as they will get challenged by either self-induced
events or EXCON-injected events. Finally, the mission execution gets
fully debriefed with focus on the relationship between execution
difficulties and planning flaws. Multiple missions will be executed by
the different SOATUs throughout the training period.
38
In case of an SOAMEx+, an additional training audience will cover the
higher echelon SOATG core personnel. Both the SOATU and SOATG
levels receive mentoring, and an EXCON provides coordination
between both levels, making sure the training objectives of both
audiences are being met.
This course uses the ATAMS to support the participants’ learning
experience. Air mission and ground force commander positions will
be selected or may be offered to nations.
Target Audience: The course is primarily designed for aircrew or
aviators (pilots, cabin crew, and SOALI-operators) assigned by their
nation to serve within an SOATU as well as personnel assigned to an
SOATG staff in case of an SOAMEx+.
Requirements:
• A 3332 rating in English language skills is requested, although
some positions can be filled by students that do not meet that
requirement.
• A NATO SECRET security clearance is REQUIRED for this course,
validated by the national training manager, and students must
prove this is held upon enrolment in the course and have a hard
copy in their possession upon arrival at NSOU.
Additional Information: Upon request, this course can be opened for
an SOATG battle staff training, which requires extensive coordination
with the requesting framework nation (9-month process). SOFCOM
will send invitation letters for each event so that nations can request/
offer specific crews, roles, and positions. This is not a normal course
for individual participants. The point of contact on the website must
be contacted to have participants and units selected or allowed.
39
Maritime Development Division
General Information
The SOFCOM Maritime Development Division (MDD) is the primary
point of direction and coordination for all NATO special operations
maritime-related activity, providing a gravely needed vehicle for
accelerating and synchronizing Alliance efforts to enhance capability,
capacity, and interoperability of maritime SOF. The MDD mission is
to enhance and strengthen NATO maritime SOF by establishing SOF
maritime policy, doctrine, education, and training. The MDD aim is
to create a maritime community of interest to increase capability and
interoperability, ultimately providing assistance to relevant, ready,
and integrated NATO SOF entities. For these purposes, the MDD has
created two NATO special operations maritime courses of instruction,
the Special Operations Maritime Task Group (SOMTG) Course and the
Special Operations Maritime Task Unit (SOMTU) Course.
MDD courses are designed for NATO and partnering countries’ SOF
and conventional maritime personnel at the tactical and operational
levels to improve understanding, effectiveness, and decision-making/

leadership skills in special operations while in a NATO C2/joint
maritime environment.
The MDD holds the SOMTG and SOMTU courses together, and
recommends your nation send one commissioned officer and one NCO
to each course. The MDD’s intent is to create a task unit and task
group collaboration to plan and approve SOF maritime CONOPS. This
will be done through guiding lessons, lectures, and PEs.
40
NATO Special Operations Maritime
Task Unit Course
Aim: Train NATO/partner SOF maritime personnel within an SOMTU
for key planning functions, responsibilities, and tasks related to their
respective position.
Objective: Students will demonstrate the ability to examine key
facts and principles related to leadership and key topics relevant to
mission planning, planning a maritime SOF mission, and a CONOPS
development at the SOMTU level.
Description: The NATO SOMTU Course prepares maritime SOF
team leaders and selected personnel to conduct the full range of
special operations as a functioning SOMTU within designated NATO
maritime, littoral, and riverine environments. The course provides
an overview of the function and use of an SOMTU and will provide
SOF and conventional naval students with the knowledge and tools
needed to plan, employ, and integrate maritime special operations
during peacetime, crises, and conflict within a NATO joint/combined
C2 structure. The SOMTU Course will coincide with the SOMTG Course
during its second week, creating touch points, interactions for CONOPS
development, and briefings and approvals between the task unit and
group leadership.
Target Audience: NATO SOF officers and NCO maritime operators
assigned to maritime team leader or member positions within SOMTUs
(maritime SOF OF-1 to OF-3 and/or OR-6 to OR-8). Conventional
naval personnel working in an operations capacity or higher, with job
requirements necessitating familiarization with NATO maritime SOF.
Preference for the course is granted to SOF NATO Response Force
(NRF), participants in active NATO missions, other coalition missions,
and SOFCOM troop-contributing nations.
41
NATO Special Operations Maritime
Task Group Course
Aim: Train NATO/partner SOF maritime personnel within an SOMTG
for key leadership functions, responsibilities, and tasks associated
with their respective positions.
Objective: Students will demonstrate the ability to examine how
maritime SOF conduct operations, how leadership supports NATO
special operations activities, and how SOMTGs are employed within
NATO operations and NATO coordinated campaigns.
Description: The NATO SOMTG Course is designed to prepare maritime
SOF personnel, commanders, and select staff to conduct the full range
of special operations as a functioning SOMTG within designated NATO
maritime, littoral, and riverine environments. The course provides
an overview of the function and use of an SOMTG and will provide

students with the knowledge and tools needed to plan, employ, and
integrate maritime special operations during peacetime, crises, and
conflict within a NATO joint/combined C2 structure. The SOMTG
Course will coincide with the SOMTU Course, creating touch points,
interactions for CONOPS development, and briefings and approvals
between the task group and unit leadership.
Target Audience: NATO maritime SOF command team members
assigned, or about to be assigned, to maritime task group positions
within an SOMTG (SOF maritime OF-3 to OF-4 and/or OR-8 to OR-9
(if within your country the ranks required do not operate within an
SOMTG, you are still invited, for instance, if country XYZ had OF-2
and OR-7 ranks that held leadership positions within an SOMTG)).
Conventional naval personnel working in an operations capacity or
higher with job requirements necessitating familiarization with NATO
maritime SOF.
42
Technical Studies Branch
The NSOU Technical Studies Branch provides both
intelligence as well as exploitation courses.
General Information —
NSOU Intelligence Courses
The NSOU Technical Studies Branch provides three resident
intelligence courses and one online course: the NATO SOF Intelligence
Course (NSIC), the NATO SOF Human Network Analysis and Support to
Targeting (HNAT) Course, the NATO SOF ISR Operations and Intelligence
Collections (IOIC) Course, and the online ADL Digital Force Protection
(DFP) Basics — Asynchronous course.
While there are no prerequisites for intelligence courses, NSOU
recommends students attend the NSIC first as the foundational
intelligence course, which provides basic education and training on
intelligence support to NATO SOF operations. Students who wish to
further enhance their skills in network analysis and intelligence fusion
concepts are encouraged to attend the HNAT Course following the NSIC.
The IOIC Course is focused on SOCC-level ISR/intelligence collection
planning, rather than intelligence analysis. The ADL DFP Basics —
Asynchronous course provides personnel with the tools and awareness
necessary to mitigate the impacts of digital threats on their organizations.
In addition to the three resident intelligence courses, NSOU also hosts
three intelligence courses: the Basic Intelligence Systems Core Training
(BISCT), the Network Engagement and Targeting Course (NETC), and
the NATO Intelligence Functional Systems Training (NIFST).
43
NATO SOF Intelligence Course
Aim: To prepare SOF and SOF intelligence personnel to provide all-
source intelligence support to tactical-level operations. The course
provides attendees with essential tools and skill sets to support
Alliance nations’ intelligence capabilities.
Objective: Students will demonstrate the ability to provide
intelligence support to NATO SOF.
Description: The NSIC is designed to introduce NATO SOF analysts to
the fundamentals of all-source intelligence analysis, critical thinking,
research techniques, socio-cultural dynamics, and intelligence
analysis software tools to support NATO SOF missions. Students are
exposed to link analysis and geospatial analysis software and learn
how to apply those tools to support NATO SOF mission planning. The
course maintains an emphasis on asymmetric warfare and enhances
the intelligence knowledge and skills of NATO SOF personnel.
Target Audience: This course is designed for military officers and
NCOs who will provide intelligence analysis support at the SOCC-
SOTU level, or who require increased familiarization with intelligence

processes and applications. This course applies specifically to junior
intelligence analysts, SOF operators who lack intelligence experience,
or other personnel who are assigned to NATO SOF units supporting
intelligence operations. Other students who would benefit from
this course include experienced intelligence analysts who lack SOF
experience or experienced SOF intelligence analysts who lack NATO
experience.
skills and be comfortable speaking English in front of groups. It is
recommended that students have a familiarization with Microsoft
Windows and Microsoft Office, as the curriculum is computer-centric.
44
NATO SOF Human Network Analysis and
Support to Targeting Course
Aim: To provide an introduction to conducting HNAT activities in a
NATO SOCC all-source cell or SOTG.
Objective: Prepare NATO SOF intelligence analysts operating in a
SOCC all-source cell or SOTG to fuse multi-source intelligence to
conduct HNAT activities that support SOF missions.
Description: The HNAT Course is designed to educate NATO SOF
intelligence analysts in the analytical techniques used in HNAT
from a unique SOF perspective. Concepts and techniques covered
include the fusion of multi-source reporting; network identification;
examining network structure; analysing the social/cultural, political,
and economic factors impacting networks; assessing what allows a
network to form (motivation and purpose); identifying functional
areas of networks; applying social network analysis (SNA) concepts;
analysing temporal and geospatial relationships; and more. Students
will employ various intelligence tools (Analyst’s Notebook, ArcGIS, and
others) to describe how, where, when, and why a network operates;
identify key nodes; conduct pattern of life analysis; and assess
concepts of how to support targeting, influencing, engaging, and
neutralizing networks. This course also allows for discussions about
experience, lessons learned, best practices, and general knowledge
of human networks.
Target Audience: Students attending this course should be mid- to
senior-level intelligence analysts from NATO and/or partner nations.
skills and be comfortable speaking English in front of groups.
45
NATO SOF ISR Operations and Intelligence
Collections Course
Note: This course was previously two separate intelligence and
operations courses and has been combined into one course. The course
is geared toward both intelligence and operations personnel.
Aim: To develop the necessary skills and knowledge of ISR capabilities
and intelligence collection activities required to support NATO SOF
missions. This will be accomplished by ensuring NATO SOCC staff (J2
and J3) understand the necessary levels of liaison, coordination, and
integration required with higher HQs, other component commands,
and subordinate unit staff. Graduates will apply the knowledge gained
to ensure the efficient and effective use of air, ground, and maritime
ISR capabilities during the planning, execution, and assessment of SOF
operations to produce the desired effects.
Objective: Students will demonstrate integration between operations
and intelligence staff during the planning, directing, monitoring, and
assessing of ISR operations in support of SOF missions. Students will
also demonstrate how operations and intelligence personnel can
synchronize ISR capabilities with intelligence collection planning to

support NATO SOF missions.
Description: This course is designed to promote the synchronization
between J2 and J3 personnel needed when supporting NATO SOF
operations. In this course, operations and intelligence specialists
engage with one another to effectively synchronize ISR capabilities
and intelligence collection in support of NATO SOF. The course consists
of a series of lectures, case studies, and PEs, during which J2 and J3
students work together as part of a SOCC staff. Students work in
syndicates and develop intelligence collection plans, match collection
priorities to ISR capabilities, and assess overall ISR operational
effectiveness related to a complex, multi-day scenario. The scenario
used in this course is based on a peer-threat competitor, using on the
SOCC-24 (OCCASUS) scenario.
The ISR operations track focuses on the synchronization and integration
of planning and execution of ISR operations, capabilities, and assets to
support SOF by presenting various aspects of requesting, coordinating,
integrating, monitoring, and assessing ISR in support of all phases
of special operations missions. Students will be expected to brief
the details of their intelligence collection plans, ISR coordination/
management, and assessments to the class and instructors, who will
act as the SOCC J2 and J3.
46
The intelligence collection track focuses on the integration and
synchronization of all-source intelligence planning and collection. The
course presents various intelligence aspects of collection, processing,
exploitation, and dissemination. Emphasis is placed on collection
processes and products that contribute to a commander’s decision-
making process, battle rhythm, and SA.
Target Audience: The target audience includes military officers,
NCOs, and civilian equivalents. Students should be SOF operations or
intelligence personnel at the SOCC or SOTG/SOATG level, preferably
with NATO deployment or exercise experience related to intelligence
or ISR operations. Ideally, students will be SOCC-level J2 or J3
personnel.
skills and should be comfortable speaking English in front of groups. In
addition, students should be comfortable using Microsoft Office.
47
ADL Digital Force Protection — Asynchronous
Duration: 5–12 hours — Self-paced
Aim: The aim of the DFP Basics — Asynchronous course is to provide
NATO SOF and SOF assigned personnel with a heightened awareness of
the vulnerabilities, threats, and impacts that the digital (information)
environment has on their physical and cognitive environments, and
provides them with practical tools and foundational knowledge to
mitigate the impact digital threats can have on their personal lives
and in their organizations.
Objective: At the end of this online course, students will have
knowledge on:
• Recognizing the elements that comprise the digital environment.
• Identifying threats in the digital environment.
• Reviewing relevant DFP techniques and procedures.
Description: The DFP Basics — Asynchronous course is designed
and developed with the intent of educating as large an audience as
possible by allowing students to review the interactive lessons at their
own pace. Students will still have the opportunity to assess their
learning through a series of quizzes and a final test.

Target Audience: This course is suitable for any NATO SOF members
and those assigned to SOF units who are engaged in personal and
organizational digital activities. The course is also suitable for NATO
SOF staff who are responsible for the proliferation of digital threat
awareness within their nations.
48
Basic Intelligence Systems Core Training
Course ID: BIS-123 ETOC: INT-SU-36875
Institution: Battlefield Information Collection and Exploitation
System (BICES) Group Executive
Aim: The aim of the course is to provide standardized, hands-on
basic BICES and NATO intelligence systems core training to NATO and
national intelligence personnel. The course will familiarize students
with the BICES and NATO intelligence systems and intelligence tools
that enable information sharing and interoperability between BICES
and the NATO Secret Wide Area Network (NSWAN).
Description: The BISCT is managed by the BICES Group Executive
training team and provides NATO SOF intelligence personnel with the
basic skills required to operate the tools and discover intelligence data
and reports contained in the databases available via BICES/NSWAN.
This training is an introduction to the tools and functionality of NATO
BICES/NSWAN systems. Students will be exposed to various browser-
based applications and data mining techniques required to perform as
an intelligence analyst.
Target Audience: The primary audience is intelligence analysts who
are required to work with BICES and linked NATO systems.
skills and be comfortable speaking English in front of groups. This
course has a computer-heavy curriculum; therefore, students should
be familiar with Microsoft Windows and with using web browsers.
49
NATO Intelligence Functional Systems Training
Course ID: NIFST-3432 ETOC: INT-SU-16797
Institution: NATO Communications and Information Agency
Aim: The aim of the course is to provide standardized, hands-on
training on NATO-specific intelligence systems and intelligence tools
for NATO and national personnel.
Description: Upon completion of the NIFST the qualified student
will be able to identify the Intelligence Functional System (INTEL-
FS) system in a multi-domain environment; demonstrate a working
knowledge of the INTEL-FS system functions; understand the various
functions in INTEL-FS for the creation and management of data
products; gain access to INTEL-FS from an NATO secure workstation;
identify the roles, permissions, and rights used within INTEL-FS;
organize and analyse INTEL-FS data products using the specialized
views; execute search options, save collections, and create folders;
subscribe to RSS feeds, saved searches, collections, and data feeds;
use the available generic functions in INTEL-FS; and understand the
way notifications are used in INTEL-FS.
Target Audience: The primary audience is intelligence analysts who
are required to work with the NATO INTEL-FS.

skills and be comfortable speaking English in front of groups. This
course has a computer-heavy curriculum; therefore, students should
be familiar with Microsoft Windows and with using web browsers.
50
Network Engagement and Targeting Course
Course ID: NETC-34 ETOC: Not a NATO accredited course
Institution: U.S. Army TRADOC G2/NSOU
Note: This course is intended as a complement to the HNAT Course and
is typically conducted the week after an HNAT Course is completed.
Aim: To use data (preferably the student’s own operational
environment data) and SNA to support targeting and engagement
recommendations.
Objective: The NETC team will provide a foundation for how to use
advanced data-driven network analysis methods to support operations.
These skills are essential for the analysis of large (“big”) and complex
multi-source data.
Description: The NETC focuses on the academic theory and application
of SNA to identify key nodes in a network. The methods taught in this
course have been leveraged by advanced top-tier targeting cells for
almost two decades and have contributed to locating Saddam Hussein
and Osama Bin Laden. The same methods are now being used to
analyse and craft operations and strategic messaging campaigns.
Data: Students are encouraged to bring their own network data to
analyse during the course. Alternatively, students may use network
data provided during the course. Optional Network Data Training:
Students may request to come to the course 1 week in advance
for guidance and advice on gathering, organizing, and constructing
networks relevant to their operations. Students who wish to attend
the 1-week Network Data Construction Course are required to begin
coordinating with the course director no later than 3 months prior to
the course start date.
Target Audience: Students attending this course should be mid- to
senior-level intelligence analysts from NATO and partner nations. The
NATO SOF HNAT Course is recommended as a prerequisite.
51
General Information —
NSOU Technical Exploitation Courses
The NSOU Technical Studies Branch also provides three resident
technical exploitation (TE) courses: the Technical Exploitation
Operations (TEO) Course, the Comprehensive Media Exploitation
(CMX) Course, and the Drone Exploitation (DRX) Course. The NSOU
TE enterprise is an evolution of courses that starts with the basics of
collection and progresses to advanced forensic investigation.
There are no prerequisites in the TE programme, which allows partner
nations to develop their capabilities as they see fit. However, for
nations who intend to develop true SMEs in the field of TE, NSOU
recommends the following sequence of courses:
The TEO Course provides the basics of detecting/collecting items
of interest, biometrics, homemade/commercial explosives, digital
media, and mobile devices and networks. The CMX Course follows
and teaches the principles and techniques of media exploitation for
intelligence and prosecution application. Finally, the DRX Course
applies the skills learned in the CMX Course and adds the specific
aspect of safe capture, capabilities testing, and adversary TTP
identification and defeat.
Graduates from NSOU exploitation courses will receive the Allied

SOF Command Media Exploitation Toolkit (SOFCOM-METK); this suite
of open-source software is updated frequently to meet the ever-
changing challenges of technology. These tools allow graduates to
return to their units and immediately apply their exploitation skills at
no cost to their nation.
52
NATO SOF Technical Exploitation
Operations Course
Aim: To educate and prepare students on the principles, techniques,
and equipment required to exploit an objective and accurately collect
time-sensitive, mission-relevant information and items of interest
during any phase of military operations.
Objective: Students will learn to effectively plan, coordinate, and
execute technical exploitation at the SOTG and SOTU levels in support
of SOCC operations.
Description: The TEO Course examines a variety of aspects of
collection techniques used to gather information and items that can
be analysed and turned into valuable intelligence for current, follow-
on, and future operations in theatres where NATO SOF are actively
participating.
The course examines the principles and capabilities of exploitation
that help the tactical-level operator understand the operational
effects of technical exploitation. The purpose of the course is to
develop technically sound, effective, and proficient NATO SOF
operators who can execute, coordinate, and use exploitation at the
SOTG/SOTU level to effectively enable SOCC operations in support of
the joint force commander’s campaign plan.
Target Audience: This course is designed for tactical-level operators
who will collect information and items of interest in a tactical
environment.
skills and be comfortable speaking English in front of groups. Students
should be comfortable using Microsoft Windows–based software,
including Microsoft Office.
53
NATO SOF Comprehensive Media
Exploitation Course
Aim: To teach intelligence professionals, operators, and SOF support
personnel to collect, preserve, extract, and report (CPER) information
from digital media and mobile devices.
Objective: Students will become proficient in the CPER methodology;
using the SOFCOM-METK to facilitate data recovery from devices that
have been damaged or manipulated to avoid discovery; and in using
mobile device exploitation techniques to maximize retrieved data in
support of special operations missions.
Description: The NATO SOF CMX Course focuses on the retrieval
and examination of data stored on computers, other digital storage
containers, and mobile devices and the fusion of this data into
intelligible reports. Students will learn basic computer forensics,
memory structures, telecommunication fundamentals, mobile device
data structures, how to identify and correct corrupted data, file
carving, password breaking, basic decryption techniques, and the
manual digitization of data that resides on mobile phones that cannot
be extracted. All forensic tools used in this class are selected from a
collection of community-based software and will be available to the
student upon graduation.
Once data is available for analysis, students will be presented with
a series of scenarios in which they will triage extracted information
and structure the data for further analysis. These include decoding
pictures hidden within text, retrieving deleted data from unallocated
space, building a virtual user profile during an investigation, increasing
extraction ability by troubleshooting damaged devices, and combining
multiple extraction reports to visualize a communications network. A
NATO SOF CMX Course graduate will consequently leave the NSOU with
the software tools and knowledge that will immediately enhance their
unit’s capabilities at any level of operation.
The NATO SOF CMX Course is revised every iteration to stay current with
emerging technologies, extraction procedures, decoding techniques,
and analytical advances.
Target Audience: This course is designed for SOF NCOs and junior
officers (operators, intelligence professionals, or other support
personnel) who need to understand how to retrieve information
from digital media and mobile devices and translate the operational
significance of their analysis.
54
Requirements: Students should have a 3322 rating in English
language skills and be comfortable speaking English in front of groups.
This course has a computer-heavy curriculum. Students should be
comfortable with computer operations and Microsoft Office before
attending the course.
55
NATO SOF Drone Exploitation Course
Course ID: NSOF-DRX-036 ETOC: SOF-SO-35555
Aim: To educate students on the principles, techniques, and equipment to
accurately recover drone devices; to gather flight logs and flight data files
for analysis; and to provide time-sensitive, mission-relevant information
from drone devices while working in a forward-deployed environment.
Objective: Students will be able to use drone device exploitation
techniques to maximize the capture and retrieval of devices and data
in support of special operations missions.
Description: The NATO SOF DRX Course is the result of one of the
fastest growing industries in the world today, drones. With this growth
comes the threat of drones being used by enemy combatants. Students
will learn how to capture a drone as well as the proper way to disarm
the flight mechanisms of the drone and how to prevent injuries to
personnel. The data that is available on the drone may be extensive and
can provide the operator with information on the combatants’ launch
point, travel, and purpose of the drone. Reviewing operating systems
can alert forces to the use of new or hybrid operating systems that
employ anti-forensics. Students will learn the location of important
data files and how to extract them from the mobile operating system,
drone, and potential android controller.
Up-to-date tools, technologies, and procedures from the SOFCOM-METK
will be used to analyse the data captured, and students will then be
presented with a series of scenarios in which they will triage drone
devices. Students will learn how to extract the telemetry log files and
how to parse the data for relevant information. Methods for enhanced
extraction ability through troubleshooting damaged devices will also
be shown, as well as the procedures for combining multiple drone
flight extractions to visualize a navigational overview. Graduates will
leave with the necessary knowledge to immediately enhance drone
exploitation capabilities at any level of an operation.
Target Audience: This course is designed for NATO SOF operators who
are scheduled, or expect to be scheduled, for deployment to NATO
operations and will be required to collect and exploit information
from digital devices.
Requirements: Students should have a 3232 rating in English
language skills and be comfortable speaking English in front of groups.
This course has a computer-heavy curriculum, so students should be
comfortable with Microsoft Office before attending the course.
56
Medical Training and Education
General Information
Medically supporting SOF operations can be challenging due to the
unusual constraints and limitations of the SOF environment. Mitigating
risk to SOF units through good medical support requires a combination
of education, training, simulation, and coordination.
The Special Operations Medical Branch provides multiple medical
courses that will be conducted as METTs only.
The courses cover a wide variety of topics including medical training
for special operations surgical teams (SOSTs) and medical planning,
and they vary in length from 1 to 3 weeks. The medical courses are
accredited by University College Cork with European Credit Transfer
and Accumulation System credits. On the accumulation of the required
credits, the students will be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate and
then a Postgraduate Diploma in Special Operations Medicine.
57
NATO Special Operations Medical Planning and
Support Course (Task Group)
Course ID: MED-02 ETOC: SOF-SO-31922
Aim: To educate medical personnel of all roles and functions to
provide competent command planning at the operational level in
support of all aspects of SOF mission profiles.
Objective: Students will thoroughly understand the principles of SOF
medical support and how to apply it toward mission success.
Description: The NATO Special Operations Medical Planning and
Support Course (Task Group) will provide students with competencies
and confidence in supporting SOF through three phases of training.
A basic foundation is developed within the first 3 days of training
through exposure and understanding of SOF culture, operational
perspectives of planning, NATO doctrine, and a thorough introduction

of planning fundamentals, such as the operations cycle, process, and
applications in support.
The second phase of 4 days will provide a thorough education and
exercises of the three NATO SOF mission profiles, the commander’s
perspective, and medical aspects that must be appreciated through the
medic, medical planner, and medical advisor perspectives. Students
will be formed into teams so that synergy and a more thorough
understanding of roles and functions will promote greater competency
and efficiency while negotiating MA, special reconnaissance, and
direct action mission sets that mirror current NATO tasks throughout
the world.
The course culminates with a 2-day exercise using unfamiliar
situations and problem sets to gain confidence in the skills attained
throughout the course. The students finish by briefing plans directly
back to senior officers of the SOFCOM staff for direct professional and
personal feedback on their performance.
Target Audience: This course is recommended for junior medical
officers, medics, and medical planners who support SOF operations
or senior medical officers, medics, or planners from conventional
medical systems with limited SOF experience who must interact
with SOF medical elements. Course enrolment priority is given to
candidates currently in direct support of SOF elements.
Requirements: Students should be proficient in English (reading and
writing) and should be comfortable speaking English in front of groups.
58
Special Operations Medical Instructor
Development Course
Aim: To enable a SOF instructor/trainer to create a medical curriculum
and plan and conduct medical training through the incorporation of
combat medical simulations based on tactical combat casualty care
(TCCC) to support learning objectives.
Objective: Students will understand the ability to maximize and
expand the current combat medical simulation training capability for
SOF operators and medical personnel.
Description: The Special Operations Medical Instructor Development
Course teaches SOF trainers how to create an effective medical
curriculum and augment that curriculum with combat medical
simulation and simulators to support learning objectives. The course
also teaches and certifies students as TCCC instructors. Students will
learn medical education theory, medical simulation concepts, adult-
learning principles, and the advantages and limitations of a variety of
combat medical simulators through hands-on applications. Students
will create increasingly complex simulation scenarios for fellow
students, employing good medical simulation practices while becoming
intimately familiar with combat medical simulators.
Target Audience: Ideal students are SOF or conventional medical
personnel directly responsible for SOF medical training at the
operator, medic, or higher level. Course enrolment priority is given
to candidates currently in direct support of SOF elements.
Requirements: Students should be proficient in English (reading
and writing) and should be comfortable speaking English in front of
groups. Students are required to complete the National Association of
Emergency Medical Technicians online instructor preparation course at
https://www.psglearning.com/catalog/productdetails/9781284027235.
The cost is $45.95 (USD). Students must have sufficient knowledge and
skills in TCCC at the provider level. Teaching experience is desirable.
59
NATO Special Operations Surgical Team
Development Course
Aim: To enable key SOF medical personnel to create and refine the
development, maintenance, and employment of SOSTs for nations
within the Alliance.
Objective: Students will understand how to create/improve,
maintain, train, and employ SOSTs for their nation’s SOF, thereby
saving lives and increasing interoperability throughout the Alliance.
Description: The NATO SOST Development Course teaches NATO medical
personnel how to create and refine elite SOSTs. The SOF operational
environment, characterized by extended medical evacuation
timelines, and the high-risk nature of SOF operations increase SOF
personnel’s chances of requiring urgent surgical intervention in austere

environments. National SOF elements are also more frequently
participating in MA operations and humanitarian response by deploying
specialized, highly mobile, flexible surgical capabilities to perform
medical engagement, partnering, and disaster medical care. This
course will discuss foundational and emerging concepts in damage
control surgery; far-forward resuscitation; and medical planning,
equipping, and employment of SOSTs, whether assisting SOF personnel
or MA missions. Students will use state-of-the-art medical simulation
and simulators to practise team concepts and surgical skills.
Target Audience: Ideal course participants are medical professionals
currently assigned to, preparing to join, or responsible for deploying
specialized surgical assets in support of SOF or contingency operations.
Course enrolment priority is given to candidates in direct support of
SOF mission, SOCC NRF, and NATO defence planning process targets.
Requirements: Students should be proficient in English (reading
and writing) and should be comfortable speaking English in front of
groups. Surgical teams must come with their deployable surgical
sets, internal communications systems, and personal equipment. It is
highly recommended that teams come with a working version of their
standard operating procedure, equipment listing, and load plans.
60
Advanced Resuscitation Course
Course ID: MED-ARC/01/22 ETOC: SOF-SO-36838
Aim: Students will learn how to operate in a multidisciplinary team
working to apply comprehensive damage control resuscitation in a
semi-permissive environment while using the skill sets of every
member of the team.
Objective: The Advanced Resuscitation Course is designed to educate,
develop, and evolve treatment, resuscitation, and evacuation
capabilities in conflict or austere environments for governmental,
security, defence, and non-governmental organizations.
Description: The Advanced Resuscitation Course covers task
analysis and validation; requirements evaluation and risk mitigation;
employment of capabilities; training and sustainment of skills;
operational and clinical decision-making; medical theories of care;
damage control resuscitation; critical care skills; analgesia and
sedation; cross-training of skills; crew resource management; surgical
skills; crisis care standards; team resilience; use of evidence-based
medicine; medicine in mobility; nursing care; and communications
and patient reporting.
Target Audience: This course is aimed at a multidisciplinary, single-
nation team consisting of physicians, nurses, paramedics, NATO SOF
medical technicians, and NATO SOF combat medics, or a mix of
national equivalents. Course enrolment priority is given to candidates
currently in direct support of SOF elements.
61
NATO Chemical, Biological, Radiological,
and Nuclear Medical Planning Course
Course ID: MED-CBRN/1/23 ETOC: Awaiting accreditation
Aim: The aim of the course is to introduce chemical, biological,
radiological and nuclear (CBRN) considerations into the already
established planning cycle used by NATO SOF and taught by SOFCOM.
Objective: Students will thoroughly understand the principles of SOF
medical support and how to apply considerations for CBRN toward
mission planning and therefore mission success.
Description: A 5-day course intended to educate and familiarize
risks, therapeutics, and operational planning for SOF CBRN mission
profiles (leadership, planning, communication, training, treatment,
evacuation, and supply) and interact with senior medical and
command leadership to create the operational and strategic levels of

SOF medical support with regard to CBRN.
Target Audience: Ideal students are medical advisors, medics, or
medical planners. Course enrolment priority is given to candidates
currently in direct support of SOF elements.
62
NSOU General Information
Student Selection
All countries should carefully select and screen prospective students
in accordance with current directives, considering the candidate’s
rank, experience, and prior formal training. Prerequisites are defined
in the calling letters for each course and listed for each course in
the catalogue and on the NSOU website. Prerequisites vary between
courses but may include the following categories:
• Microsoft Office and computer skills.
• English language skills according to NATO’s standardized
language proficiency scale.
• ADL completion.
• Appropriate NATO security clearance.
Should student prioritization be required due to a lack of available
seats, the priority of attendance (in most courses) will be given to
students from NATO SOF troop-contributing nations.
Documentation
All students are required to have the following documentation with
them upon arrival for class:
• Passport (with a minimum of 6 months of validity).
• National or NATO identity card.
• Personnel security clearance confirmation.
Dress Code
Standard dress for military students is their national duty uniform,
work dress, or field uniform. For civilian students, appropriate
business clothing should be worn. If necessary, military students may
wear civilian clothes on the last day of the course to facilitate travel.
Electronic Device Security

Personal cameras, mobile phones, computers, smart watches, and
other electronic equipment are not allowed inside the classrooms,
unless specifically authorized by the SOFCOM security personnel.
Mobile phones must be stored in the student lounge and may be
accessed during breaks. No photographs, audio recording, or video
recording is permitted on the NSOU campus.
63
Class Attendance
The instructor faculty and many of our guest speakers come from
outside the organization and have travelled long distances to support
our courses. Adherence to the starting times of lectures is appreciated
to respect the speaker and fellow students and to avoid impacts on
other course timings.
In accordance with NSOU School Quality Procedure 5F, every student
attending NSOU must comply with attendance policy standards to
maintain their places in our courses. A student who misses more than
5% of a course and is unable to make it up risks refusal of a graduate
certificate and academic removal from the course. It is every student’s
responsibility to show up on time and to maintain communication with
course staff regarding any absences that may occur.
Please note that only drinks with secure non-spill lids are authorized
in classrooms to prevent damaging any classroom-based equipment.
Transportation
It is the student’s responsibility to arrange their own transportation
prior to and throughout the course.
Medical Services
Should students require a doctor or dentist during a course, NSOU will
assist with access to appropriate health care. The SHAPE Healthcare
Facility provides ambulatory and primary care medical services to
the Chièvres, SHAPE, and Brussels military communities. Students
are responsible for settling medical or dental bills incurred during a
course.
Suggested Items
• Native language to English translation dictionary.
• Note-taking supplies.
• Rain jacket.
• Cold-weather jacket during winter months.
• Physical training apparel and shoes.
64
Accommodation
It is the student’s responsibility to arrange their accommodation
prior to the course. NSOU recommends staying at the Chièvres Army
Lodge, +32 (0) 68 2671 11. Students are welcome to contact hotels in
the local area for accommodation. Additional information regarding
local accommodation is available on the NSOU website: https://
www.nshq.nato.int/Library/DownloadFile/9ff2f30a-871f-4b45-a12d-
06e92d02a488
Dining
There are multiple dining options for students attending courses at
the NSOU campus on Chièvres AB: Bun Burger, Hunt Brothers Pizza,
and BUN-D are located in the food court of the Exchange (base main
shopping store). While attending the course, students are provided
with a pass that allows them to purchase sandwiches and other food
items from the base commissary. The campus break room facility has
refrigerators and microwave ovens for use by the students. There
are also numerous types of cuisine available in the towns surrounding
Chièvres AB for evening and weekend meals.
Students attending courses at SHAPE can take advantage of several
dining options such as the SHAPE Club or the SHAPE Dining Facility in
Building 100. Purchases can also be made at the local supermarket
on post as well as at a variety of restaurants in the surrounding areas.
Community Activity Centre

The Community Activity Centre is a large building that serves as the
hub for community fitness and activities, featuring basketball and
soccer courts, a gym, running track, and library. The Morale, Welfare,
and Recreation fitness centre includes a wide range of cardiovascular
exercise equipment (exercise bikes, treadmills, cross trainers, stair
climbers, and rowing machines) and free weights. Additionally, there
are saunas and showers available for both men and women.
For more information, contact:

NSOU Student Management
DSN (314) 597-6440/6461 (Chièvres)
Comm. +32 68 25 6440/6461 (Chièvres)
NATO unclass: [email protected]
65

NATO Special Operations University: Course Catalogue

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NATO Special

NATO Chemical, Biological, Radiological,

NSOU General Information........................................................ 63

I am proud to open NSOU’s 2023–2024 academic year. My vision

NSOU campus (Chièvres site)

NSOU campus overhead (Chièvres site)

Chièvres Air Base

Pre-resident Course (ADL): Introduction to hybrid threats and

of past national resistance efforts during military occupation, students

The NATO Leadership Academy focuses on the development of

NATO SOF Junior Leaders Course

NATO SOF Mid-level Leaders Course

NATO SOF Executive Leaders Course

The programme implements the same 10 basic content threads

Target Audience: This course is designed for staff officers (OF-2 to

Aim: To prepare students to perform as a member of NATO SOCC/

Objective: Upon completion of the course, students will comprehend

Description: The SOCC JOC/AOC Course instructs students on how to

Target Audience: This course is designed for officers, warrant officers,

course consists of an asynchronous DL portion, followed by a 5-day

The ADD recommends attending the courses in a logical order depending

Description: The NATO SOAMEx is a 9-day, instructor-/facilitator-

levels to improve understanding, effectiveness, and decision-making/

an overview of the function and use of an SOMTG and will provide

SOTU level, or who require increased familiarization with intelligence

synchronize ISR capabilities with intelligence collection planning to

learning through a series of quizzes and a final test.

are required to work with the NATO INTEL-FS.

Graduates from NSOU exploitation courses will receive the Allied

perspectives of planning, NATO doctrine, and a thorough introduction

personnel’s chances of requiring urgent surgical intervention in austere

command leadership to create the operational and strategic levels of

Electronic Device Security

Community Activity Centre

For more information, contact:

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