In order to stay ahead of evolving trends and unexpected developments in NATO strategic needs, human capital is top priority for the Alliance today and over the coming decades.
Human capital is the knowledge, skills, attitude, experience, and cognitive capacity needed to ensure readiness and generate value for the Alliance and its warfighters. NATO must use human capital to deliver the best-prepared people, in the right place, at the right time, every time.
Allied Command Transformation (ACT) aims to develop an agile, cooperative, and innovative framework for future requirements and human capital enhancement in order to operate efficiently in a fluid environment. Leadership development is a crucial aspect of ACT’s ability to maintain its edge in developing the best personnel possible. In order for ACT to succeed, Supreme Allied Commander Transformation (SACT) General Philippe Lavigne has led by example, fostering both leadership development within the command as well as a sense of teamwork and collaboration that allows for aligned, and actionable decisions, to accelerate response times, mitigate risks, and improve overall operations.
The methodology necessary to undertake such a huge effort is important to recognize as well. In order to adapt to generational changes, ACT must find innovative solutions, aligned with modern education and training to ensure an effective, efficient, and affordable Alliance – ready for tomorrow’s challenges today.
ACT remains committed to promoting a culture of initiative and innovation. The Alliance continues to maximize the potential of its personnel through leadership development, professional growth, and by properly managing the talent at its disposal. One of the Command’s top priorities is providing the best tools available to enhance decision-making skills at the strategic, operational, and tactical levels.
SACT’s strategy for human capital development applies a framework to harness ingenuity and identify warfare development agenda requirements for the future of the human component. This innovative approach addresses speed, complexity, and data-centric technology, allowing the Alliance to think and operate effectively across domains and compel regular analysis in the context of Human Capital. Nations are responsible for the recruitment and retention of military personnel, their core skills, and their military careers, however NATO must utilize the human resources available to it in order to deliver for all member nations. ACT provides education and training to its civilian and military personnel, allowing for growth and further collaboration.
ACT also identifies human capital requirements, enhanced education and training, and shared best practices for recruitment, retention, and training. These policies and initiatives will continue to deliver competent and capable staff, ready to meet any challenge.