Cross Functional Training serves as a key process for knowledge exchange, providing better understanding, collaboration, networking, and opportunities. It involves training from different branches and functional areas, such as communications, management, and operations, which may have diverse application depending on the roles of various stakeholders. At Allied Command Transformation, Cross Functional Training is a key part of staff education.
As the NATO’s Strategic Warfare Development Command, Allied Command Transformation is responsible for Alliance-wide transformation and innovation, such as the integration of Multi-Domain Operations. Preparing NATO for the future, Allied Command Transformation develops adaptive concepts, doctrines, and capabilities – moving away from isolated “stovepipe” efforts, and towards collaborative, multidisciplinary functionality.
Cross-Functional Training enables improved teamwork, better understanding, and ongoing transformation of the workforce. NATO is the world’s largest defensive alliance, with 31 diverse member nations, additional security partners, composed of military, civilian, academic and industry workforce. This wide variety of backgrounds and cultures makes synchronization a key priority, where an increase in meaningful interactions throughout the Alliance will lead to stronger capabilities and networks. Cross-Functional Training supports people, processes, and purposes across the NATO; Allied Command Transformation applies Cross-Functional Training to increase collaboration between departments, directorates, and subject-matter experts.
“Moving away from traditional silos and stovepipes and towards a collaboration mind-set is key. With so many diverse subjects and concepts, stakeholders at Allied Command Transformation must have a culture of cross-functionality, which will be built on a strong baseline of knowledge, and transformed through improved interactions,” said Lieutenant Colonel Jozsef Lengyel, Section Head of Training Coordination at Allied Command Transformation.
Cross-Functional Training has been a high priority for Alliance Command Transformation, which continues to host cross-functional courses on subjects such as cultural awareness, innovation, management processes, and Centres of Excellence. Allied Command Transformation will host the next round of Cross-Functional Training in September.