In May 2024, the JALLC deployed its Advisory and Training Team (JATT) to the Swedish Armed Forces International Centre (SWEDINT) in Sweden, where they conducted the second iteration of the five-day Lessons Learned Staff Officer Course (LLSOC). The course, brought together 29 students from twelve NATO and Partner Nations and featured seven instructors from six different Nations.

SWEDINT’s Commander, Colonel Richard Gray, opened the training with a warm welcome and provided an engaging presentation on the rich military history of Sweden, particularly focusing on the Swedish Guards Regiment, where SWEDINT is located, in Kungsängen near the capital city Stockholm. This introduction set the tone for the course which was attended for the first time by Ukrainian representatives; one officer of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and three civilians from the Boryviter (centre of excellence-NGO).  

In fact, Mr. Pavlo Musiienko, Head of the Analytical Department at Boryviter, provided a presentation to the participants which provided course attendees with some interesting insights and different perspective to consider.

Colonel Gray and JALLC Course Director COL Joaquim Ramalho both thanked the Ukrainian delegation for their participation and contribution. COL Gray noted: “The innovative solution to address a critical need by employing an NGO for a whole of government Lessons Learned Centre of Excellence, including the Armed Forces, is a testament to the resilience of the Ukrainian society in wartime. To me, this is most impressive and speaks volumes about the Ukrainian spirit.”

In addition to the intensive training sessions, course participants enjoyed the regular educational visit to the Vasa Museum in Stockholm, which houses the 17th-century, 64-gun warship Vasa, which sank on her maiden voyage in 1628 after sailing just 1300 meters. The visit provides an apt historical lesson on the importance of learning from past mistakes—an appropriate theme for a lesson learned course.

SWEDINT and its staff once again ensured the course's success by providing comprehensive support throughout the event.  This second iteration of the LLSOC in 2024 not only highlighted the importance of multinational collaboration and learning but also underscored the ongoing commitment to enhancing military capabilities and knowledge sharing within the NATO framework.

The next Lessons Learned Staff Officer Course is scheduled to take place from September 23-27, 2024. Those interested in learning more about the course and upcoming dates can find further information through the relevant channels. Click here to find out when the next course will be held in 2024 and 2025. Select the LLSOC from the menu and scroll down to the dates.