To reinforce NATO’s commitment to continuous improvement and knowledge sharing, four instructors from JALLC’s Advisory and Training Team (JATT) conducted Lessons Learned training for 21 students at the NATO Rapid Deployable Corps – Italy (NRDC-ITA) near Milan, Italy, from 09-11 April.

 

The training, conducted both by Lessons Learned experts from the JALLC and the Lessons Learned Staff Officers of NRDC-ITA, aimed to equip Lessons Learned Points of Contact at the headquarters with techniques for identifying, capturing, and applying lessons gained during exercises and real-world operations.  This training was especially timely as NRDC-ITA forges ahead in its role as NATO’s first Allied Reaction Force (ARF). "Our collaboration with NRDC-ITA underscores our commitment to fostering a culture of learning and innovation throughout NATO," remarked Lieutenant Colonel Jason Thompson (USA F),
the JATT leader for this engagement.

Highlights of the visit included interactive workshops on the NATO Lessons Learned Portal (NLLP), group discussions on real-world examples of Lessons Learned, and practical exercises tailored to the specific needs of the corps.  Additionally, NRDC-ITA Staff Officers Lieutenant Colonel Alfonso Ruiz de Oña Rodriguez (ESP A) and Lieutenant Colonel Cesare Colanero (ITA A) presented an in-depth review of the NRDC-ITA Lessons Learned Standard Operating Procedure and how NRDC-ITA captures Lessons Learned during exercises.  The lectures culminated in the students working as a group to conduct their own analysis of a problem encountered by their headquarters as well as developing an action plan to prevent the problem from reoccurring. The training was well-received by participants noting the practicality and relevance for their work, as well as its potential to drive positive change within their respective areas of expertise. 

The visit concluded with Colonel Arturo Sabando (ESP A), the JALLC’s Lessons Learned Management Division Head, conducting a Key Leader Engagement with NRDC-ITA’s Commander, Lieutenant General Lorenzo D’Addario (ITA A) and other members of the NRDC-ITA’s command group.  Colonel Sabando advised the assembled leadership team on how to improve their existing LL capability, steps that will be critical as they prepare for their evolution into the first ARF HQ.

 

 

This event stands as an example of NATO's commitment to fostering a culture of learning and continuous improvement, further enhancing its ability to respond effectively to evolving challenges and missions.