The PfPJSOC is conducted under the umbrella of NORDEFCO twice a year. Students come this time from Armenia, Finland, Georgia, Ireland, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Norway, Serbia, Sweden, Switzerland, Tadzhikistan and Ukraine with ranks varying from 1/SGT to Lieutenant Colonel. They are divided in three syndicates to study staff duties and especially NATO Planning Process. The syndicate leaders are from Finland, Denmark and Norway.
The aim of the course is to give the students a working knowledge of the NATO/PfP staff working procedures in order to function as an operational staff officer at a battalion level HQ in a Peace Support Operation. The main effort during the course will be focused on understanding current NATO policy and doctrine for PSO, introduction to and practice in a NATO operational planning process (OPP), including development of orders and plans. Also co-operation between a military staff and different civilian components, together with the various parties involved in a conflict will be exercised.
The course is conducted by lectures, syndicate works, case studies and map exercise. The final Command Post Exercise where the students are manning the different branches in a Nordic Battalion headquarters will be conducted during the last week.
– The PfPJSOC will especially fit to officers who are heading to ISAF and KFOR operations. Course will give a suitable “toolbox” for possible upcoming duties in a PSO. You will get a good working knowledge of staff working procedures in order to function as an operational staff officer in a battalion level HQ and also to function as a staff officer in a multinational staff in a Peace Support Operation, course director maj Matti Ylinen (FIN A) said during the welcome briefing.