Course Iterations

No course iteration scheduled!

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

Course Information

NATO Special Operations Surgical Team Development Course

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, and 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.

Duration: Residential: 5 days

Course Aim

To enable key SOF medical personnel to create and refine the development, maintenance, and employment of SOSTs for nations within the Alliance.

Objectives

At the end of the course, the student will be able to understand how to create/improve, maintain, train, and employ SOSTs for their nation's SOF, thereby saving lives and increasing interoperability throughout the Alliance.

Target Audience
  • 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 ARF, and NATO defense planning process targets.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
Requirements
  • 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.
  • Recommended Language Profile: 3332 rating in English language skills