Joint Operations Planning Introduction Course
Date: (26-09-2025)
The Joint Operations Planning Introduction Course took place at the Crisis Management and Disaster Response Centre of Excellence (CMDR COE) from 22 to 26 September 2025, bringing together 16 participants from five NATO and partner nations in a dynamic, in-person setting.
This foundational course was designed to introduce the key principles, procedures, and practical aspects of NATO’s Operations Planning Process. Participants explored critical components such as the operational planning framework, planning phases, stakeholder coordination, and best practices in building joint plans within a multinational environment.
Throughout the four-day training, the course encouraged active participation, syndicate work, and scenario-based tasks, which enhanced the participants’ critical thinking, teamwork, and planning skills. The curriculum focused on enabling students to understand the complexity of joint operations and to foster interoperability in planning efforts across national and organizational boundaries.
The CMDR COE was proud to host highly experienced instructors and subject matter experts, who guided participants through each phase of the planning process, while offering insights into real-world challenges and solutions.
This course reaffirmed CMDR COE’s commitment to supporting NATO’s education and training efforts by preparing personnel to contribute effectively to crisis response and joint operational planning at all levels.
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