Course Iterations

No course iteration scheduled!

If you wish to take this course, please submit course request to NSOU through your agency.

Course Information

Building SOF Capability Course (Managerial Level)

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 NSHQ 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.

Course 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.

Objectives

Relate the SOF organizational concept and apply the SOF capability-building process.

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.

Requirements

Students should have a 3332 rating in English language skills and should be comfortable speaking English in front of groups. 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.

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.