The 2012 Training Synchronisation Conference confirmed to be a tangible opportunity for NATO members and partners to better coordinate Education, Training, Exercises & Evaluation (ETEE) activities. As last year, the four events: the NATO Training and Exercise Conference (NTEC), the Steering Group NATO Training Group (SGNTG), the NATO Individual Training and Education Conference (NITEC), and the educationForum were co-located for maximum efficiency and synchronisation. The theme this year was the “education platform for the future”.

NATO TRAINING AND EXERCISE CONFERENCE (NTEC)

The principal goal of NTEC 2012 was to inform nations and partners about the draft Military Training and Exercises Programme (MTEP) 2013-2017 and provide a forum for their national comments, discussion and feedback in order to synchronise NATO collective training and exercises. At this venue, ACT presented the electronic version of MTEP (eMTEP) available on the NATO Unclassified Network (internet) obtaining unanimously appreciation by nations and partners. As a result of NTEC, inputs from nations and partners will be incorporated in the MTEP 2013-2017.

NATO INDIVIDUAL TRAINING AND EDUCATION CONFERENCE (NITEC)

NITEC 2012 focused on the Education and Individual Training (EIT) contribution to Smart Defence. A presentation of the various national training plans for ISAF was given. These documents are now available online for all the Troop Contributing Nations, so that they can easily identify their requirements for upcoming ISAF rotations. The three primary initiatives presented at the NITEC were: Quality Assurance & Accreditation, eLearning and electronic Individual Training & Education Programme (eITEP). All were very well appreciated by participants, who recognised them as tangible opportunities for present and future collaborative activities.

STEERING GROUP NATO TRAINING GROUP (SGNTG)

The SGNTG is the highest NTG forum for NATO and national Education & Training decision makers at the strategic level. They are in charge of setting the priorities of work for the forthcoming year and beyond. Accordingly, the meeting focused on giving direction and guidance to the subordinated Executive Working Group NTG (EWGNTG) to enhance interoperability and standardisation among NATO and partner nations in all training-related matters. During the event, two major change proposals to the NTG Terms of Reference (MC 0238/4) were approved and specific directions to the EWGNTG regarding the establishment of future Task Groups were provided.

EDUCATIONFORUM

During the educationForum, the audience was briefed on systemic top-down guidance, efficiency, effectiveness and affordability, as well as improved National and partner Engagement in Education and Training. Special emphasis was put on the alignment of NATO Education & Training with international Education and Training Standards in line with the Bologna Process. The participants were actively engaging and provided valuable input both during plenary and syndicate sessions. This will greatly assist in establishing the Quality Assurance and Accreditation System in line with international standards and a more systematic approach to match Education & Training offers and demands with NATO partners for commonly beneficial effects. The educationForum reached its intended goal: to be a key venue where new ideas meet the reality of institutions involved, and where all can collectively help shape the future.