INTERNATIONAL TRAINING: NATO CIMIC FIELD AND STAFF WORKER COURSES SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED

Civilian and military professionals from eight countries came together to strengthen NATO’s Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) capabilities, with expert contributions from Poland and Greece.

Motta di Livenza, 21 March 2025 – After two weeks of intensive training, international collaboration and realistic operational simulations, 36 participants have successfully completed the NATO CIMIC Field Worker Course (NCFWC) and the NATO CIMIC Staff Worker Course (NCSWC), held concurrently at the headquarters of the Multinational CIMIC Group (MNCG).

Designed for both military and civilian personnel, the courses provide critical skills in Civil-Military Cooperation—an essential function in all NATO operations, whether during peacetime, crises, or conflict. For the first time, the training was based on a scenario inspired by NATO’s Article 5, focusing on a collective defense operation. The scenario was specifically developed by MNCG’s CJ7 Training & Education Branch to reflect the Alliance’s current operational priorities.

During the first week, participants explored a range of theoretical topics, including NATO’s CIMIC structure, the role of civilian actors in operations, human security, cultural awareness, and national resilience. The second week focused on practical applications: the Field Worker course emphasized tactical-level CIMIC activities, including simulated engagements with local communities and civilian stakeholders, while the Staff Worker course addressed the integration of CIMIC staff into operational planning and decision-making processes.

The presence of two guest instructors brought significant added value. One came from the Military Training Centre for Foreign Operations in Kielce, Poland, and the other from the Multinational Peace Support Operations Training Centre (MPSOTC) in Kilkis, Greece. Their insights underscored the importance of cooperation among international training institutions and gave participants a broader perspective and deeper technical knowledge.

The course also benefited from guest lectures delivered by representatives of leading international organizations, including the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and Blue Shield. These speakers provided practical insights and real-world perspectives on humanitarian operations and the protection of cultural heritage in conflict zones.

A key point of the program was its diverse international environment. Military and civilian personnel from Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Czech Republic, Italy, Malta, Serbia, Spain, and the United States training side by side—sharing experiences and perspectives that enhanced interoperability among NATO and partner nations.

The success of this training cycle reinforces the Multinational CIMIC Group’s key role in developing CIMIC expertise on the international stage. By building a network of well-prepared professionals capable of operating effectively in peacekeeping and crisis management contexts, the MNCG contributes to collective security with a forward-looking, cooperative approach.

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