Today saw the first full day of the NATO Lessons Learned Conference 2024 (NLLC24). The JALLC’s Commander, Commodore Fernando Artilheiro, welcomed participants marking the Alliance’s 75th Anniversary and highlighting the importance of the theme of the conference: The NATO Lessons Learned (LL) Capability in support of NATO 2030.
The conference was then opened by Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Transformation, General Christian Badia, via hologram. The General who highlighted the importance of Lessons, especially in the context of Russia War against Ukraine. The opening remarks were followed by updates on Lessons Learned and on NATO’s 2030 efforts as well as a moment for Australia to shine in the NLLC24 spotlight. As a long-standing partner of the Alliance, Lieutenant Colonel Kohn Edwards—of the Joint Lessons Assessment Directorate at HQ Joint Operational Command of the Australian Defence Force—who presented the Australian perspective to Lessons Learned.
This first day of the NLLC24 also offered participants their first taste of the three panels that will address the conference theme. The first Panel on Lessons Learned in the Digital Transformation Age saw Rear Admiral Nick Wheeler, Director of NATO HQ’s Digital Staff, address the audience as a key speaker asking the question: “why transform? Because militaries that do not adapt or transform, lose.” On the same panel, the Portuguese Rear Admiral Antonio Gameiro Marques highlighted the human aspect to the Digital era, noting that people need to be empowered and the importance of committed leadership.
The JALLC’s own Principal Operational Research Analyst, Ms. Jacqueline Eaton, contributed to the panel noting that Lessons Learned in the Digital Age should not be a blame culture, but about providing the optimal conditions for the human to do the work. The day rounded off with a live hologram presentation and question and answer session with COL Robert Driscol l, head of the Education and Individual Training Analysis and Development section at HQ Supreme Allied Commander Transformation.
Throughout the day, there were a few surprises and plenty of interaction for the audience: Certificates were awarded to the NATO Command Structure HQs with the highest (top three) number of contributions to the NATO Lessons Learned Portal; an avatar hi-jacked the stage momentarily to ask some questions; and participants could take advantage of the breaks to find our more about augmented reality, robotics and the latest hologram technology at the stands during the conference.
This first day of the NLLC24 has been a great success with participants already noting that the content and execution of the event exceeded their expectations. The second, and last full, day of the conference is equally packed with topical presentations and two panels with presentations and discussions on topics that are at the heart of what the NATO Lessons Learned Community does for NATO.
Be sure to check in tomorrow to read the highlights from the second day of the NATO Lessons Learned Conference.
