In March 2024, members of the JALLC’s Advisory and Training Team (the JATT) once again travelled to Sweden to deliver a five-day Lessons Learned Staff Officer Course (LLSOC) at the Swedish Armed Forces International Centre (SWEDINT).  For this iteration of the LLSOC, the JATT members were joined by other members of the JALLC staff who attended the course as participants.

The LLSOC aims at teaching the implementation of the NATO’s Lessons Learned Capability, and covers the NATO Lessons Learned Process, analysis techniques used during this process, the way Lessons Learned work, and useful information for Lessons Learned Practitioners.

Twenty-two students from elven different NATO and Partner Nations attended the course.  One of the attendees, Commander Heiko Rottmann (German Navy), the recently arrived Deputy Head of the JALLC’s Lessons Learned Analysis Division, noted that: “The LLSOC was a unique experience for the Staff Officers from across NATO to understand how the NATO Lessons Learned Process works and is managed.”  Commander Rottmann noted in particular that the training covered the different elements of the NATO Lessons Learned Capability and how they act together to deliver Lessons Learned to NATO, as well as guidance on how to draft an observation so that it can be staffed through the NATO Lessons Learned Process into the NATO Lessons Learned Portal.

“The different nationalities, backgrounds, skills, and experience of the LLSOC participants made this experience even more relevant for those who work in NATO,” he noted.  Finally, he also added that: “The balance of lecture style sessions and more hands-on syndicate work meant that participants had plenty of opportunity to practice what they were learning.”

 

 

 

All course participants enjoyed the extra-curricular visit to the Vasa Museum in Stockholm. The museum features the 17^th Century, 64-gun warship Vasa that sank on her maiden voyage in 1628 after sailing just 1300 meters. Later analysis has shown there were many reasons that led to this catastrophe. An appropriate visit for a lessons learned course.

As usual, SWEDINT and its staff provided every possible support to ensure that this iteration of the LLSOC was successful. This iteration of the course was the first with Sweden as a full member of NATO, making it an extra special iteration for all involved.

The next LLSOC is currently scheduled for 27-31 May 2024. You can find out more about the course and planned course dates here.