NATO MW COE delivers its Flagship NATO Selected Course in Slovenia
From 8 to 12 June, the NATO Mountain Warfare Operations Planning Course (NATO MW OPC) was successfully conducted in Poljče, Slovenia, bringing together military professionals from Allied and Partner nations to enhance their understanding of planning and conducting operations in mountainous environments.
The NATO MW OPC is designated as a NATO Selected Course and represents the highest-level educational activity conducted by the NATO Mountain Warfare Centre of Excellence (NATO MW COE). The course is specifically designed to develop planners capable of integrating mountain warfare considerations into operational design and decision-making while strengthening interoperability among NATO and Partner nations.
The course provided an intensive and comprehensive learning experience, combining theoretical instruction with practical application. Participants benefited from the expertise of both internal and external Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), who delivered lectures focused on contemporary operational challenges and the latest developments in modern warfare. The curriculum incorporated current lessons learned, emerging technologies, and planning methodologies relevant to operations in complex mountainous terrain.
A particular highlight of the course was the Area of Operations (AOO) reconnaissance conducted in real terrain. This activity allowed participants to compare digital and analogue terrain and battlefield analyses against actual ground conditions, providing valuable insights into the strengths and limitations of planning tools and analytical products when applied in the field. The reconnaissance also reinforced the importance of terrain appreciation as a fundamental element of military planning in mountainous environments.
Throughout the week, the course addressed a broad range of mountain warfare considerations spanning the strategic, operational, and tactical levels. Participants engaged in planning activities supported by modern technological solutions, digital planning tools, and war-gaming sessions designed to enhance decision-making, situational awareness, and operational understanding.
The successful delivery of the course demonstrated once again the value of multinational cooperation and the importance of specialized education and training in preparing military leaders to effectively plan and conduct operations in mountainous terrain. Through the exchange of experience, expertise, and best practices, the course contributed to strengthening interoperability and fostering a shared understanding of mountain warfare across the NATO community.
As mountain environments continue to present unique operational challenges, the NATO MW OPC remains a cornerstone of NATO’s efforts to develop planners capable of effectively incorporating mountain warfare considerations into operational planning and mission execution.
