Comprehensive Operational Planning Directive (COPD), Conceptual Framework Allied Operations (CFAO), Allied Joint Publication (AJP) - 3 and AJP - 5 provide only a limited explanation of the detailed process of synchronisation. After Action Reviews (AAR) have specifically identified the challenges of integrating lethal and non-lethal effects; cross component coordination; catering for the inclusion of cyber and counter space operations as domains; lack of knowledge of the Joint Coordination Board (JCB) process; planning sufficiently far ahead and the linkages between J5 during planning with Joint Assessment and J35/J33/J3 for execution purposes.
This performance gap is amplified in Article V, Major Joint Operations (MJO) and MJO+ scenarios where time, space, forces, and effects need to be synchronised in order to create decision superiority and overwhelm an adversary, whilst protecting the force.
Solution:
SWEDINT addresses this gap with the Practitioner, NATO Joint Synchronisation Course (JSC), which is usually delivered twice yearly, and a NATO Senior JSC once each year; for both activities NATO Nations and NATO Partner Nations Australia, New Zealand can apply. Either course will be especially helpful for HQs attending NATO Exercises in 2024.