Communication Discipline Training

Influence Operations in a Multinational Environment

Location: Hellenic Multinational Peace Support Operations Training Centre (MPSOTC), Kilkis, Greece
This one-week course is conducted in English and is available to both military and civilian participants. The aim of this course is to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills in order to accent communications, to affect attitudes and behaviors in addition with the employment of military capabilities, economic development and other real-world capabilities that also can play a role in reinforcing these communications.
More information is available at www.mpsotc.gr

Information Operations Officer

Location: Peace Support Training Centre (PSTC), Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Kingston, Canada
The Information Operations planner plays a vital role in the overall Operational Planning Process (OPP) at the tactical and operational level. Instructors at PSTC for the Information Operations Officer (Info Ops) course have a unique experience in conducting information operations at different levels. The Info Ops course is preceded by a pre-reading package and 10 training days (or two weeks – Monday through Friday). The of this course is to enable personnel to perform Info Ops Officer duties on international or domestic operations or within a headquarters and advise on the conduct and coordination of Info Ops and Info Ops policy. Further, this course enables personnel to conduct staff duties in a HQ information operations cell. This course is designed for military personnel holding the rank of Captain or above for officers and Warrant Officer and above for non-commissioned members that will be performing Info Ops Officer duties on international or domestic operations within a headquarters.
More information is available at http://www.forces.gc.ca/en/training-establishments/peace-support-courses.page

NATO Information Operations Course

Location: NATO School Oberammergau, Germany
The aim of this course is to educate and train students from national, joint and combined organizations on NATO concepts for conducting Information Operations (INFO OPS). This is a two-week course.
More information is available at www.natoschool.nato.int

NATO Senior Officer Information Operations Course

Location: NATO School Oberammergau, Germany
The aim of this course is to expose Senior Officers to issues surrounding NATO concepts on ensuring consistency and credibility of communications by all means through comprehensive coordination, in particular Strategic Communications, Military Information Operations, and the relationship to other communication capabilities and functions.
More information is available at www.natoschool.nato.int

United Kingdom’s Joint Information Operations Course (JIOC)

This course provides individuals with the foundation knowledge required for employment in IO roles at the operational level in joint, multi-national, or multi-agency environments.
More information is available at www.gov.uk/guidance/the-defence-media-operations-centre-dmoc

While basic PA training is a national responsibility, ACT recognizes that not all nations currently have this capability, particularly in English. ACT has therefore observed a number of basic-level PA courses that we recommend, and that we are working to gain access to for students from other NATO and partner countries. Some nations also have established courses for NATO specifically to increase capacity of this basic PA training, which is a prerequisite for completing the NATO School Oberammergau PA training.

Basic Public Affairs Course (BPAC)

Location: Public Affairs Regional Centre (PARC) in Skopje, North Macedonia
This two-week Basic PA course in English is offered twice a year, usually in May and September and is available to NATO, partners (PfP, MDI, ICI) and global partners both military and civilian. This course consists of lectures & syndicate work, practical work with camera exposure (simulations of real case scenarios for TV Interview, Press Release and TV statements), followed by individual feedback by certified media trainers and group discussions. The aim of the course is to provide basic knowledge and practical skills/techniques in the field of PA in accordance with NATO policy and activities, enabling participants to effectively communicate with media in a multitude of circumstances, including writing news releases, giving camera statements, TV interviews and organizing news conferences.
More information is available at www.parc.morm.gov.mk

NATO Public Affairs Officer Basic Course

Location: Hellenic Multinational Peace Support Operations Training Centre (MPSOTC), Kilkis Greece
This two-week course, is conducted twice a year in English, in February and September, and is recommended for military and civilian students who wish to practice basic media and communications skills. The overall purpose of the Course is to provide students with a working Knowledge of NATO’s Public Affairs policy, responsibilities, procedures and duties of a PAO.
More information is available at www.mpsotc.gr

NATO PA Policy Indoctrination Course

Location: NATO School Oberammergau, Germany
This one-week course is conducted in English three times a year, usually in March, June and November. The aim of this course is to provide officers, senior NCOs & civilians with knowledge of NATO’s PA policy, responsibilities, procedures and activities. The course is a stand-alone introduction to NATO PA policies, and together with National basic PA training is a prerequisite for the NATO PA in Operations Course. More information is available at www.natoschool.nato.int

NATO PA in Operations Course

Location: NATO School Oberammergau, Germany
This one-week course is conducted in English three times a year, usually in March, June and November. The aim of this course is to provide students with in depth knowledge and practical interview training in order to improve their ability to perform all NATO PA activities, as NATO forces spokespersons, and as NATO PA staff officers either on or in direct support of NATO operations. Candidates must have attended the NATO PA Policy Indoctrination Course and must have attended national level PA Training. Students must also have adequate English language skills. More information is available at www.natoschool.nato.int

Once a PA professional has completed basic PA training and had some practical experience they would be eligible for intermediate PA training. In addition to the NATO School Oberammergau PA courses, intermediate PA training is offered at the Public Affairs Regional Centre (PARC) in Skopje, North Macedonia

Crisis Communication Course (CCOM)

Location: Public Affairs Regional Centre (PARC) in Skopje, North Macedonia
This one-week CCOM course is conducted in English once a year, usually in May and is available to NATO, partners (PfP, MDI, and ICI) and global partners both military and civilian. This course consists of interactive lectures and syndicate work, practical exercises with camera exposure followed by individual feedback by certified media trainers and group discussions. The aim of this course is to provide participants with knowledge and practical skills for Crisis Communication and to enable them to effectively communicate with media in a crisis situation.
This course is recommended for military and civilian personnel, who already acquired basic PA knowledge and who require advanced PA training in the area of crisis communication. Participants are expected to occupy (or are planned for) PA positions, within Ministries of Defence, Armed Forces or other relevant state institutions. CCOM will enable them advance their media and communication skills in order to perform their everyday duties.
More information is available at www.parc.morm.gov.mk

Public Affairs in International Operations Course (PAIO)

Location: Public Affairs Regional Centre (PARC) in Skopje, North Macedonia
This one-week PAIO course is conducted in English once a year, usually in November and is available to NATO, partners (PfP, MDI, and ICI) and global partners both military and civilian. This course consists of interactive lectures and syndicate work, practical exercises with camera exposure followed by an individual feedback by certified media trainers and group discussions. The aim of this course is to enhance participant’s PA skills when deployed to international operations and to enable them to effectively communicate with media within Press Cells organized in international operations. This course is recommended for military and civilian personnel within Ministries of Defence, Armed Forces or other relevant state institutions, who already acquired basic PA knowledge and are selected to perform PA function within international operations. PAIO will enable them advance their media and communication skills in order to perform their everyday duties.
More information is available at www.parc.morm.gov.mk

In addition to the intermediate NATO School Oberammergau and PARC courses, advanced PA training is offered at the following national schools:

The command for Management, Information and Communication Training in the Swiss Armed Forces (MICA), United Kingdom’s Defence Media Operations Centre (DMOC), and the United States’ Defense Information School (DINFOS).

Swiss Armed Forces (MICA)
More information on these courses is available at www.armee.ch/mika

• PfP Media & Communication Management Course (Level one)
  The Swiss PfP Media Management Course takes place annually in spring and usually takes up to 20 students from NATO, PfP (Partnership for Peace), MD, (Mediterranean Dialogue), ICI (Istanbul Cooperative Initiative) and Contact Countries. The training lasts eight days and is recommended for NATO military and civilian personnel who are employed in PA positions and wishing to increase their media and communication skills.
• PfP Leadership & Crisis Communication Course (Level two)
  The course is held annually, usually in the autumn, with a maximum of 16 students from NATO, PfP (Partnership for Peace), MD (Mediterranean Dialogue), ICI (Istanbul Co-operation Initiative) and other Contact Countries. The course lasts eight days and is recommended for NATO military and civilians, who will assume the duties of a Chief Public Affairs Officer or spokesperson. Switzerland has reserved a number of seats for ACT candidates.
• Swiss PfP Media and Communications Course – Advanced Level (Crisis Communication)
  An advanced course is held every year, usually in the autumn, and typically accepts 16 students. With its emphasis on communications teamwork and individual skills, the advanced course is recommended for NATO students who will be assuming the duties of a Chief Public Affairs Officer or Spokesperson.

United Kingdom’s Defence Media Operations Centre (DMOC)

The UK DMOC may accept up to two non-UK students on any of their courses. In addition, DMOC runs a one-day Media Skills Course and a specific Afghan Environment Training course. A combination of the Defence Communicators Course and the Afghan Environment Training is recommended for NATO students. More information is available at www.gov.uk/guidance/the-defence-media-operations-centre-dmoc

• Defence Communicators’ Course (DCC)
  The UK Defence Communicators’ Course is a two-week course that runs up to 10 times per year. This is a foundation course for all military Press Officers. This course trains defence personnel in a range of media and communications activities based against the media and communications competency.
• Media Awareness and Interview Training (MAIT)
  The UK Media Awareness and Interview Training course trains defense personnel who are likely to be interviewed by broadcast media to effectively deliver their messages.

United States’ Defense Information School (DINFOS)

The United States’ Defense Information School (DINFOS) offers a variety of PA courses, some available for foreign nationals. The 17 courses open to international military and civilian students cover areas such as PA, Graphic Arts, Photography, Photojournalism, Broadcasting, Videography, Multimedia and Broadcast Maintenance. Courses range from 1-28 weeks in duration, and most require 85 English Comprehension Level (ECL), and a 2+/2 Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI). More information is available at www.dinfos.dma.mil/International/Course-Information

• PA Qualification Course (PAQC)
  PAQC is organized into the following eight Functional Areas: Theory and Doctrine; Community Relations; Internal Information; Multimedia; Media Relations; Communication Skills; Public Affairs Operations and a capstone Operations Support Exercise. The material presented within each functional area builds a progressive format, which exposes students to essential foundational knowledge, and builds upon that knowledge through a series of case studies, assigned readings, guided discussions, and practical applications. The course is approximately ten weeks long and applicants must meet prerequisites.
• Joint Intermediate Public Affairs (JIPAC)
  The JIPAC provides the knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties of a public affairs practitioner at the operational level. The scope of this training includes classroom discussion, guest speakers, and field trips. This advanced PA course is for mid to senior-level officers and civilians serving in Chief PAO or Deputy Chief PAO positions. Applicants to the advanced course must score a minimum 85 on the English Comprehension Level (ECL), have completed Specialized English Training (SET), an Oral Proficiency Interview, and must be graduates of the PAQC course.

NATO Operations Planners’ PSYOPS Course

Location: NATO School Oberammergau, Germany
The aim of this course is to provide students with foundational knowledge on the contribution of PSYOPS to NATO-led operations and NATO PSYOPS operational planning procedures. This is a two-week course. More information on this course is available at www.natoschool.nato.int

Psychological Operations Staff Officer

Location: Peace Support Training Centre (PSTC), Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Kingston, Canada
Psychological Operations (PSYOPS) enhance the ability for deployed personnel to conduct operations more effectively. One of the main tasks of the PSYOPS Officer is the coordination, the planning, the dissemination and the evaluation of the effectiveness of PSYOPS. The members of PSTC’s instruction team bring vast experience and expertise from the field of PSYOPS in recent operations. The PSYOPS Staff Officer course lasts a total of 19 training days, 4 Distance Learning days (DL) and 15 residency days (three weeks, Monday through Friday). The aim of this course is to produce PSYOPS Officers capable of performing the duties of a PSYOPS Staff Officer in a tactical or operational HQ, act as an advisor to all levels of command, to plan and produce PSYOPS staff products, and to conduct and supervise operational PSYOPS. The PSYOPS Officer course is designed for military personnel holding the rank of Captain or above for officers and Warrant Officer or above for non-commissioned members that will be performing PSYOPS Officer duties on international or domestic operations within a headquarters.
More information is available at Peace Support Training Centre courses – Canada.ca

Psychological Operations Analyst

Location: Peace Support Training Centre (PSTC), Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Kingston, Canada
Psychological Operations (PSYOPS) enhance the ability for deployed personnel to conduct operations more effectively. The analysis of target audiences and PSYOPS products is a cornerstone of PSYOPS. The PSYOPS Analyst course has a duration of 10 training days (two weeks, Monday through Friday). The aim of the Analyst course is to allow personnel to conduct target audience analysis, evaluate PSYOPS, analyze hostile PSYOPS and manage PSYOPS relevant information. The PSYOPS Analyst course is designed for military members holding the rank of Second-Lieutenant to Captain for officers and Corporal to Warrant Officer rank for non-commissioned members employed or in the process to be employed in a PSYOPS Analyst capability.
More information is available at Peace Support Training Centre courses – Canada.ca

Psychological Operations Tactical Operator

Location: Peace Support Training Centre (PSTC), Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Kingston, Canada
Psychological Operations (PSYOPS) enhance the ability for deployed personnel to conduct operations more effectively. The core of the PSYOPS operations is the Tactical Operator (Tac Op) also known as the disseminator. The PSYOPS Tac Op course has a duration of 15 training days (three weeks, Monday through Friday). Members of the PSTC instruction team bring a vast experience from recent operations and students are exposed to realistic scenarios with trained role-players. The aim of the Tac Op course is to allow personnel to perform PSYOPS dissemination tasks, collect PSYOPS relevant information and advise on PSYOPS capabilities to a degree commensurate with their rank and experience. This course is designed for military personnel holding the rank of Lieutenant or Captain for officers and Corporal to Warrant Officer for non-commissioned members.
More information is available at Peace Support Training Centre courses – Canada.ca

Introduction to Strategic Communications Course

Location: The online course is available on NATO Joint Advanced Distance Learning (JADL) portal. To take it, look for course ADL 205 – Introduction to Strategic Communications.
The NATO Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence has developed this online course as a first step towards familiarization and to develop a unified understanding of Strategic Communications. This course is designed for participants that do not have a communication specialists’ background. To start the process to take this course please visit www.jadl.act.nato.int

NATO Senior Official Strategic Communications Familiarisation Course

Location: NATO School Oberammergau, Germany
The aim of this course is to provide students with foundational knowledge of Strategic Communications (StratCom) in the NATO environment, particularly on ensuring consistency and credibility of communications through comprehensive coordination. More information on this course is available at www.natoschool.nato.int

NATO Strategic Communications Practitioner’s Course

Location: NATO School Oberammergau, Germany
The aim of this course is to prepare StratCom Practitioners for the challenges and opportunities of conducting StratCom in the NATO environment. More information on this course is available at www.natoschool.nato.int

Strategic Communication Course

Location: Turkish PfP Training Center, Ankara, Türkiye
Seats available for PCM (PfP, MD, ICI, Afghanistan, Iraq, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Pakistan, Mongolia)
The course is designed to prepare the participants to gain a better understanding of NATO policy and concepts in the area of STRATCOM, update them with latest developments in the field of strategic communications. The course is open to NATO, PfP, MD, ICI and Partners across the Globe. NATO accredited this course in 2011. More information on this course is available at www.bioem.tsk.tr