The 10th iteration of Introduction to the Planning of Joint Operations course took place at the International Courses Department (ICD) of Armed Forces Academy on September 4th – 8th 2023. It is a NATO-certified course and senior officers from NATO partner countries are regularly participating in it. This year it was attended by two representatives from Morocco and other three from Georgia, Azerbaijan and Colombia. In addition to them, 15 officers from the Slovak Armed Forces also completed the course.

The aim of this short-term course was to familiarize participants with NATO doctrines and procedures and to prepare them for the NATO planning process. The graduates of the course have gained the knowledge, which enables them to work within the Joint Operational Planning Group at the International Headquarters and to prepare operational plans that include all relevant factors for effective and successful execution of joint NATO operations and help to implement the planning processes in practice.

The course was solemnly ended by the speech of the Chief of the ICD - LTC Rene Hecko, who emphasized the importance of organizing such type of courses and obtaining education in the mentioned area mainly due to the current situation behind our border. He also highlighted our cooperation with NATO and partner countries.

Students who participated in the course appreciated the work in an international environment as well as organization and overall running of the course. "The participation of students from NATO partner countries was a great benefit to the quality of the course, which increased our scope in the field of operational planning," reviewed the participants from Slovakia. Foreign students expressed their enthusiasm for their stay in Liptovsky Mikulas, where they were enchanted by the beautiful mountain environment, culture of the town and warm welcome of the organizer. They were grateful for the help in assuring their participation as well as the opportunity to take part at such a beneficial course.