LTC Per Schedin is currently positioned at the Swedish Armed Forces HQ, working with issues in relation with the recruitment and retainment of an all voluntary force. He attends the course in order to prepare himself for an international mission. Not practising the planning process for several years raised the need for additional training.
“The environment and conditions during this course is most rewarding, where experiences from qualified lecturers is mixed with the experiences from the student. So it’s more to this course than the logic and mechanics of the OPP”, says LTC Schedin.
During week two and three of the course the main content are map exercises allowing the students to train in the use of the methods taught to them, starting with a formal MAPEX 1, led by the syndicate leader. Thereafter, the MAPEX 2 allows for the students to work more independently on the execution of the planning process, and finally MAPEX 3 teaches an abbreviated method.
MAJ Erik Bovekerk from the Air Control Squadron of the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) participates in the course as a preparation on a possible future planner function within the RNLAF.
This course is providing him sound knowledge and skills on the NATO Operational Planning Process. Additional, he has great benefit of this course because the level of planning is focused on an Army Brigade Headquarter. This will be very helpful in mutual understanding of each other in any future cooperation.
Finally the international setting of the course is great. The diversity in nationalities is, both in and around the lessons, of high value. Not only is the setup of the course providing a good interaction possibility, SWEDINT is also organising welfare activities, in which you especially can experience the cultural differences with your fellow students.