13 Jan. 2004

New NATO military training co-operation initiative Background Automn 2002 - NATO review Boosting efficiency in multinational operations Links Ministry of defence of the Slovak republic Ministry of defence of the United Kingdom Within the framework of NATO’s Partnership for Peace, a UK-led training initiative promoting conflict prevention and long-term stability throughout Central and Eastern Europe was launched in Slovakia on 13 January. Based at Liptovský Mikuláš in the Slovak Republic, the Junior Staff Officers Course (JSOC) will extend NATO expertise and knowledge to countries participating in the alliance’s Partnership for Peace programme. Aimed exclusively at junior to middle-ranking officers, the JSOC is unique, fostering trust and respect between students by encouraging a common and flexible approach towards military skills and problem solving. Participation will enable a much greater level of interoperability, effectiveness and cohesion between military units, with countries better prepared to play a part in a full range of multinational operations, training and exercises. 17 countries have already signed up to the course including Bulgaria, Estonia, Uzbekistan, Poland, Sweden and Ukraine. Up to 60 officers ranked Lieutenant, Captain and Major will take part in the 12-week course that will run three times a year.