NATO Mountain Warfare Operations Planning Course

Code: LOP-LO-37031

Aim:

To provide the staff personnel of NATO and Partner members’ brigades and battalions with in-depth knowledge and understanding of operating in mountain terrain, to foster a common and comprehensive approach to Mountain Warfare, and to develop skills for planning and conducting operations in difficult mountainous environment.

Structure of the course:

In the period of five days, we conduct group education and work activities during which students acquire knowledge and use it to create a Mountain Warfare operation plan.

The design of the course features:

• An online self-study module, with a series of e-Learning courses about the main aspects of mountain environments, the planning of Land operations and the tactical considerations of Mountain Warfare;
• Classroom lectures, that teach in-depth knowledge and understanding of operating units in mountain terrain;
• Syndicates work, where students practice their skills for planning and conducting operations, taking into consideration the learned specifics of Mountain Warfare.

The course will end with a practical group assessment under the form of a Commander’s Decision Briefing, where students present the staff’s recommended course of action for the given scenario.

Learning Objectives:

• Know the NATO Mountain Warfare (MW) Terminology and Standards;
• Present the Mountain Infantry Light Brigade and Battalion structure, equipment and capabilities for operations in mountain environment and arctic conditions;
• Explain the role, tasks and main products of the Mountain Cell;
• Present the fundamentals of movement and manoeuvre in mountainous/vertical terrain;
• Explain the importance of leadership and modern C2 approaches to Mountain Warfare;
• Explain the specifics of fire support in mountainous terrain;
• Explain the sustainment considerations related to the mountain environment, and the fundamentals of health protection requirements for mountain operations;
• Plan an operation of a light infantry battalion in difficult mountainous terrain.

Security Classification:

NATO UNCLASSIFIED releasable to PfP.

Target Audience:

Battalion/ Regiment/ Brigade Staff Members.

Rank Level:

OF-1 to OF-4 and selected OR-7 to OR-9, according to requirements.

Language Proficiency:

Recommended English SLP 3232, minimum 2222 – NATO STANAG 6001.

Prerequisites:

• Skills: Tactical Planning Skills for BN/BDE (MDMP)
• Online courses: e-Learning courses available on NATO JADL and NATO MW COE e-Learning platforms – will be communicated to attendees after confirmation.

Event fee:

None

Project Officer:

MAJ Jakub ZDUNSKI (POL)
Staff Officer, Education & Training Branch