The Joint Analysis Lessons Learned Centre, in Lisboa, Portugal, stands as a cornerstone in NATO’s pursuit of continuous improvement and adaptability, and is one of three subordinate commands to Allied Command Transformation in Norfolk, Virginia. Established with the mission to support the implementation and sustainment of NATO’s Lessons Learned policy, the Centre plays a pivotal role in the Alliance’s ability to transform at the speed of relevance. This is accomplished through the analysis of complex NATO-generated data, providing key insights and recommendations on ways and means to improve how NATO works, fortifying the Alliance’s operational readiness and effectiveness.
At its core, the Joint Analysis Lessons Learned Centre focuses on developing products that are tailored to the Alliance’s needs and that deliver across its scope of activities. These products include a variety of analysis reports covering a wide range of topics and data sources, tailored Lessons Learned training courses, and specific support to NATO’s ongoing operations and exercises. These products are developed by a team of skilled and trained civilian and military subject matter experts, and can be used for a wide range of purposes including, for example, Capability Development, exercise scenario development Lessons Learned Capability implementation, and training and education in Lessons Learned.
The Joint Analysis Lessons Learned Centre has produced over 250 analysis products over the years that cover topics such as Protection of Civilians, Cultural Property Protection, and the Centre’s work assessing Russia’s war against Ukraine. The underlying analysis in these reports is often complex and spans a variety of data sources, requiring project teams from the Joint Analysis Lessons Learned Centre to collect data from across the Alliance. The resulting products go on to inform key NATO work strands, providing pertinent recommendations for the future, based on evidence gathered from past experience. You can download copies of the Centre’s Factsheets covering some of its key analysis reports from its website.
The Joint Analysis Lessons Learned Centre also boasts a wide array of training courses. These range in topic and intended training audience but are all centred around NATO’s need to ensure that the NATO Lessons Learned Policy is implemented effectively throughout the Alliance. For example, these courses not only offer foundational Lessons Learned training, but also the skills required to become a Local NATO Lessons Learned Portal Manager. You can find out more about these training courses, and how to apply, here.
The NATO Lessons Learned Portal, managed by the Joint Analysis Lessons Learned Centre, is NATO’s centralized hub for all Lessons Learned related information, which allows NATO entities, NATO Nations, and Partner Nations to share their valuable lessons information and download Lessons Learned reports and other documents. It also provides users with informative dashboards that provide an overview of relevant Lessons Learned information at a glance.
The Joint Analysis Lessons Learned Centre also functions as a hub for the NATO Lessons Learned Community. It does this by ensuring that communities of interest can share and develop Lessons Learned through the NATO Lessons Learned Portal, through its training activities, and also by organizing impactful events, including the NATO Lessons Learned Conference, which it hosts on behalf of Supreme Allied Commander Transformation. This key event in the NATO Lessons Learned calendar attracts participants from throughout NATO, and beyond, to engage in discussions on focused themes, fostering invaluable exchanges of knowledge and experiences. This year the NATO Lessons Learned Conference will take place from 16 to 17 April, 2024, in Lisbon, Portugal, and is based around the theme of NATO Lessons Learned Capability Development in support of NATO’s 2030 efforts. You can find out more about the conference through the NATO Lessons Learned Portal and on the Centre’s website, including how to register for the event.
With a workforce comprising individuals from between 15 and 20 different NATO Member Nations, the Joint Analysis Lessons Learned Centre represents a collaborative effort, embodying the Alliance’s commitment to collective learning and improvement. As NATO’s focus continues to evolve, the Centre will remain a dynamic force, adapting its activities to meet the shifting needs of the Alliance, while ensuring NATO remains a learning organization prepared to navigate the challenges of a dynamic global environment.
You can connect with the Joint Analysis Lessons Learned Centre on Facebook, X, YouTube, LinkedIn or their website, where you can also download a copy of their annual magazine—The Explorer, which provides a good overview of what the Centre does and how it contributes to the wider success of the Alliance.