INITIATION TO AIR OPERATIONS (IAO)

Eligibility

Aim of the course

Learning objectives

JFAC OPERATIONS COURSE "BASIC" (JFAC OC (B))

This course provides company grade and non-commissioned officers with the basic principles of air Command and Control (C2).
It will allow them to interact efficiently with JFAC HQ divisions, teams and liaisons using standard NATO Air C2 terms and acronyms, to be familiar with the main Air C2 processes and cycles, and to understand the effects that can be generated through the use of Joint Air Power.

Eligibility

NATO officers destined to fill a position within an air operations C2 structure or within an air liaison element.
This course is also opened to senior non-commissioned officers involved in the air operations Command and Control chain.

Course notes

This course is strictly composed of academic classes where instructors teach NATO Air C2 doctrine and provide examples based on historical and recent operations and personal experiences. The course starts with an initial assessment of students knowledge, and is concluded by a final test, designed to ensure that the learning objectives have been met. Success in this final exam validates students official course completion and is mandatory for graduation.
The body of the course is built on a block approach and composed of 3 blocks, each addressing a specific performance objective.

Aim of the course

Educate personnel likely to take a position in an air operations command and control structure on the basic processes and functions of Air C2.

After this course, students will have a basic understanding of how a JFAC HQ plans, tasks and follows execution of air operations, and therefore will be better prepared to assume their duties within, or in relation with, a NATO Air Component C2 chain.

Learning objectives

1. Principles of joint air operations ;
1.1. Understand Joint Air Power key concepts ;
1.2. Know NATO Joint Air Doctrine.

2. Joint air tasking and targeting cycles ;
2.1. Know the Joint Air Tasking Cycle ;
2.2. Understand the Joint Targeting Cycle.

3. JFAC HQ organisation ;
3.1. Know the JFAC HQ overall structure and organisation ;
3.2. Understand the role of component liaisons to the JFAC HQ.

Habilitation

NATO UNCLASSIFIED.

JFAC OPERATIONS COURSE "IMPLEMENTATION" (JFAC OC (I))

This course is a practical implementation of the JFAC Operations Course “Basic” (JFAC OC(B) – ETOC Course Code AOP-JF-21250) providing company grade and non-commissioned officers with the necessary practical consolidation of the basic theoretical knowledge acquired during the academic classes of the JFAC OC (B). Students will perform collective hands-on training within the framework of a fictitious but realistic dissymmetric crisis scenario. During the practical phases, and in order to enhance students learning experience, instructors act as mentors and may adapt the scenario difficulty to overall students’ background and skills.instructors act as mentors and may adapt the scenario difficulty to overall students’ background and skills.

Course notes

Instructor-led hands on collective training, supported by a computer assisted exercise (CAX). Students will perform collective hands-on training within the framework of a fictitious but realistic dyssimmetric crisis scenario. During the practical phases, and in order to enhance students learning experience, instructors act as mentors and may adapt the scenario difficulty to overall class background and skills.

Aim of the course

Provide personnel likely to take a position in an Air Operations Command and Control (C2) structure with hands-on training on Master Air Operations Planning (MAOP) as well as Current Operations. After this practical implementation of the theoretical knowledge acquired during the JFAC OC (B), students will have experienced through collective drills and simulations how a JFAC HQ develops an ATO and follows its execution, and therefore will be better prepared to assume their duties within, or in relation with, the Air Component C2 chain.

Learning objectives

ATO development (MAOP) - Understand and practice MAOP Team organisation and planning activities, Understand MAOP Team relationship with GAT and ATO Production teams, Understand and practice basics of ATO planning,Know how to construct a MAOP approval briefing, Know how to present a MAOP approval briefing to the COMJFAC).

ATO force execution - Understand Current Ops Teams organisation and functions, Know how to use ICC Mission Tote to monitor ATO execution, Know how to use JCHAT to enhance communications and overall C2 within the chain, Understand how to achieve real time coordination and integration with other components).

Pass / Fail criteria

NIL.

Habilitation

NATO CONFIDENTIAL.

Prerequisite

- Hold the JFAC OC (B) diploma or equivalent (ex. DACCC IFJT, USAF AOC IQT, etc...) for less than 2 years.

(if the aforementioned diploma has been validated previously at the limit of 2 years, this expiry must be compensated by operational experience in the field of air operations. Then, the candidate will have to request a derogation from the head of the Education & Training).

JFAC PLANNING COURSE (JFAC PC)

Educate and train officers likely to participate as planners in an AOPG (or a JOPG as air expert) in support of the OPP (Operational Planning Process) using the COPD. Deliver knowledge and experience to planners in order they are be able to provide the commander with an objective analysis of the crisis environment in order that he is able to decide the appropriate course of action to deal with it based on joint level direction and guidance and its own experience and judgment.

Eligibility

NATO officers (OF-3 to OF-4) scheduled to fill positions within an air operations planning team or within joint or component liaison elements.

Course notes

 It is made of a mix of lectures and pratical activities. Academic classes will provide informations on the Operational Planning Process (OPP) and on its application, as well as guidance and planning considerations on operational, logistic and legal issues. Hands-on exercices will enable students to understand the “JFAC estimate” steps and activities, by applying the process in a close-to-reality environment, stressed by time and guidance requirements, based on a fictitious but realistic scenario. Instructors will supervise all activities, providing tips and suggestions based on their own operations and exercices experience. Mission Analysis Brief, Wargaming and Courses of Action Decision Brief are the capstone events of interaction within the process on which the students will be involved during the course.

Aim of the course

The JFAC Planning course enable students to learn and apply step by step the Component Estimate process. After analysing the mission and the key factors of the crisis environment the student will proposed original COAs (courses of Action) to the commander and a recommendation for the appropriate one matching with the Higher levels direction and guidance and the orientations of the commander. This 2 weeks long course is also a place to share experience on air operations and the use of Air missions types within a joint environment through an original scenario including terrorists and cyber risks, TBM threats, political and economical issues. During this course, students will have an overview on how to lead a syndicate, how to coordinate the AOPG and how to present the analysis and works to a commander. Sometimes linked with the JFAC LS (JFAC leadership Seminar) this course enable the student to face NATO senior leaders in the COMJFAC role.

Learning objectives

JFAC estimate and its joint/air environment (Understand the Air operations in Joint environment and the Logistics requirements and legal aspects in Ari operations planning, Be familiar with NATO COPD principles, Command relationships and the Operational and Component estimates inputs and outputs, Be familiar with the necessary collaborations, requirements and the higher levels outcomes through the OPP, Be familiar with the AOPG role and relationships with the COMJFAC).

JFAC mission analysis (Be familiar with NATO CRO OPP from crisis to the Component estimate,  Understand and apply the different steps of the JFAC estimate mission analysis to be able to develop a relevant Mission Analysis Brief with a JFAC operational design to frame the problem to be solved to the COMJFAC, Be knowledgeable about the key document in support of air component planning activities).

JFAC courses of action development ( Know how to develop a course of action based on missions analysis, COMJFAC guidance, OPG and air missions types requirements, Understand the goals of wargaming, Be able to participate or conduct a wargaming, Be able to compare CoAs for the development of the CoA Decision briefing (CoA DB), Be able to present the CoA DB to the COMJFAC in order for him to select a COA for the Air component CONOPS).

CONOPS, SUPPLAN and AOD (Understand the objectives of the JFAC CONOPS development and its integration in the SUPPLAN, Be knowledgeable about the Air operations Directives (AOD) objectives and content).

Pass / Fail criteria

NIL.

Habilitation

NATO RESTRICTED.

Prerequisite

- Hold the JFAC OC (B) diploma or equivalent (e.g. DACCC IFJT, USAF AOC IQT, etc.).

JFAC PLANNING INITIATION COURSE (JFAC PIC)

Introduction to air operations planning according to the NATO methodology.

Eligibility

Senior French Air and Space Force officers, trainees from the BTEM cycle, and non-experts in the Air C² domain.

Course notes

This course alternates theoretical presentations, and reflections and case studies guided by the instructors.

Aim of the course

To provide a senior staff officer with the knowledge necessary for his duties in the field of air operations planning.

Learning objectives

Be familiar with NATO crisis management process and air (joint) operations in the joint NATO environment.

Be knowledgable about prerequisites, processes and products for each phase of NATO Operations Planning Process.

Understand how the air component CONOPS will be integrated into the Air OPLAN and into the Air Operation Directives to perform an operation.

Habilitation

NATO RESTRICTED

Prerequisite

- Hold the JFAC OC (B) diploma or equivalent (e.g. DACCC IFJT, USAF AOC IQT, etc.).

JFAC LEADERSHIP SEMINAR (JFAC LS)

Focuses primarily on commanders’ role within the air component and the nature of their relationship with their staff and planners. This seminar is usually combined with a JFAC Planning Course in order to allow attendees to interact with student planners in a realistic environment based on CASPOA AOCOE “Strong Eagle scenario.

Eligibility

NATO senior Officers (OF-5 and above) likely to take command of air operations headquarters, or tagged as « key leaders » within a JFAC HQ (JFAC HQ commander or division chief).

Aim of the course

Gather future air component leaders to increase their knowledge of Joint Air Operations and provide them a better understanding on how they should interact with their planners as well as the Joint level and the other components. Open to senior air staff, this seminar welcomes a limited number of participants in order to allow personal level interactions and networking.

Learning objectives

Aside from external guest speakers’ availability or any expression of specific requirements, the syllabus could include the following subjects :

1. From planning to execution: some useful key points for an air component commander ;
2. Organisation of the air operations command and control structure and possible options for deployment of Air C2 structures ;
3. COM JFAC’s responsibilities (AC, ADC, ACA) ;
4. COMJFAC role in the planning process ;
5. Attendance to a MAB, wargaming and a COA DB ;
6.  COM JFAC Role in COA Comparison ;
7. Targeting cycle/ TST concept ;
8. ISR ;
9. National Chain of command in a coalition ;
10. The Coalition dimension ;
11. Air operations logistics ;
12. NIC, ISR, Info Ops ;
13. Battle Rhythm ;
14. JFC/JFAC Relationship ;
15. The role of the Political Advisor (POLAD) ;
16. POLAD Global Approach of Operation ;
17. PR ;
18.  COM JFAC experience ;
19. The Law of Armed Conflicts (including a practical exercise) ;
20. The Space use in Air ops.

Habilitation

NATO CONFIDENTIAL (Discussions up to NATO SECRET).

JOINT PERSONNEL RECOVERY COURSE (JPRC)

This course includes academic lessons on JPR doctrine and tools, followed by a practical implementation based on CASPOA-AOCOE “Strong Eagle” scenario where JPRC students collaborate with JFAC OC (I) combat ops students.

This course includes instruction of the process, positions and software tools (FAST ICC, JCOP, SALTO,etc) associated with a TST scenario. The scenario is combined with a two-day practical air operations exercise in a simulated environment. It is limited to a maximum of 6 participants.

Eligibility

NATO officers and NCOs likely to man a JPRC.

Aim of the course

Teach the basic principles of planning and execution of JPR operations.

Learning objectives

1. LO1 ( Given all tools in the JPRC cell, demonstrate the knowledge and skills to use ICC, JCHAT, WISE page, the telephone, the radio and Microsoft office suite required to coordinate a PR response. React and use the tools IAW inputs via a practical exercise) ;
2. LO2 (Acquire the knowledge of the NATO PR architecture and J/PRCC role, duties and responsibilities (job description) of the cell and the intrinsic collaboration/coordination with other CCs and AOC personnel) ;
3. LO3 ( Given indications or warnings of an isolating incident in a simulated but realistic environment, apply the procedures to develop a plan in coordination with other CC as required to recover the personnel) ;
4. LO4 (Given templates and checklists, set-up a PR Cell and assign responsibilities to develop courses of action and present a decision brief to the designated Lauch/Execute authority for approval of a PR mission).

Pass / Fail criteria

NIL.

Habilitation

NATO RESTRICTED.

Prerequisite

- Hold the JFAC OC (B) diploma or equivalent (ex. DACCC IFJT, USAF AOC IQT, etc...).

TIME SENSITIVE TARGETING (TST)

The TST course is an advanced level educational opportunity focusing on practical exercises by making the students take on different roles in a Joint TST Cell part of a simulated operation. Integration is facilitated by prior presentations of TST related concerns and NATO C2 tools.

Eligibility

NATO officers and NCOs specialised in targeting and being part of the TST community as a TST specialist or as a TST enabler.

Aim of the course

Educate targeting specialists destined to take over the role of a Joint TST cell member. Trainees will have the opportunity to be taught on TST doctrine and procedures and the usage of the FAST tool, before practicing in a simulated operation environment in order to implement briefed considerations.

Learning objectives

·         Implement the Joint Targeting doctrine and core principles for the prosecution of TSTs;

·         Manipulate TST related considerations;

·         Perform various roles in a Joint TST cell ;

·         Perform coordination within and outside a Joint TST Cell;

·         Operate NATO C2 Tools supporting TST prosecution (FAST, JTS, JChat);

·         Prepare and deliver a TEA brief (Target Engagement Authority);

Pass/Fail criteria

Course staff assessment

Habilitation

NATO SECRET

Prerequisites

Mandatory :

• N3-17 NATO Joint Targeting Staff (NJTS) Course OR equivalent ;
• Being currently positioned in the joint targeting community OR having participated in joint targeting during a NATO/coalition forces operation or an exercise ;
• Basic knowledge of the Operations Planning Process (OPP) ;
• Basic knowledge of the different Single Service Components (SSC) capabilities ;
• Basic knowledge of the Intelligence Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR) domain.

Optional :

• N3-97 NATO Collateral Damage Estimation Methodology Course OR equivalent ;
• N3-139 NATO Joint Intermediate Target Development Course OR equivalent ;
• N3-140 NATO Battle Damage Assessment Course OR equivalent ;
• FAST and/or JTS user course.

JOINT TARGETING SYSTEM "BASIC OPERATOR COURSE" (JTS BOC)

The Air operations COE presents JTS in an operational way: after a review of Integrated Command and Control (ICC) functions and the intelligence targeting process, students create a target folder first, linking the target to a target list and then link the list with each phase of the process. The training goes through all targeting levels from tactical to operational. The entire course is based on training data that allows participants to focus only on practical application. Each student executes each exercise achieving the performance standard in order to get to the next exercise (a step by step approach). Practice will be done as required for the students to achieve the standards. Once the standard for the performance objective is achieved, the student will move on to the next phase and eventually the end of the course.

Eligibility

This course is dedicated to targeteers / weaponeers who operate JTS tool at the operational or tactical level.

Course notes

This 5 days for TTT (JTS TTT) and 4 for BOC (JTS BOC) courses are strictly composed of education and training directly in JTS. The main strategy is to give students the opportunity to practice on each part of this software and maintain relationship with the Joint Targeting Cycle. The course starts with a reminder of Joint Targeting Cycle, and geographic basics, goes through all the steps of this cycle and is concluded by a final exercice, designed to ensure that the learning objectives have been met. The body of the course is built on a block approach and composed of 5 blocks, each addressing a specific performance objective.

Aim of the course

Basic training on JTS for personnel who already have the knowledge about targeting and who will be appointed to a job that requires the use of this system, such as: Combat Ops/Senior Intelligence Duty Officer (SIDO) and Deputy SIDO (Current Intel Cell), CDE Analyst, Combat Plan : Intel and targeting Cell, ISRD: targeteers and Intel, GAT: Targeteers and Weaponeers, Strategy: Intel, Non Kinetic: Info Ops targeteers, Legal Adviser (LEGAD) and Political Adviser (POLAD), all participants involved in a Joint level of command and Joint Targeting Coordination Board (JTCB) plus Joint Coordination Board (JCB) participants, National Targeting Centre representatives in a Joint Forces Air Component (JFAC) structure.

Learning objectives

1. Students will understand how to use JTS through an explanation of JTS role and a description of its modules ;
2. Students will build Target folders on a computer by: creating an electronic target folder included DPIs, weaponeering solutions and combat assessment reports ;
3. Students also create target lists, and then validate and release them. The management of the ops design is also described with the creation of phases and campaign with JTS ;
4. Students sort and extract information from a target folder or a target list by using the different JTS search tools and exporting a target folder.

Pass / Fail criteria

NIL.

Habilitation

NATO SECRET.

Prerequisite

- NATO School Oberammergau NJTS course or equivalent (targeting course operational level of the CNC, internship at the draguignan artillery school) or be able to justify an experience professional in the field of targeting.

NJTS : NATO Joint Targeting Staff, premier stage du cursus JTIC – Joint Targeting Interoperability Curriculum.

CNC : Centre National de Ciblage (National Targeting Centre).

JOINT TARGETING SYSTEM "TRAIN THE TRAINER" (JTS TTT)

After a test on the level of familiarity on JTS, the students will be briefed on the methodology to brief all the module of this software. The aim is to prepare students to transmit their knowledge to other personnel from their home headquarter. After a first day of briefing, the students will have the opportunity to introduce some JTS modules directly into JTS-BOC sessions in order to be placed in instructor position.

Eligibility

Personnel officially identified as JTS software users and tagged to become JTS trainers within their units.

Course notes

The course starts with a day dedicated to the introduction to training technics, and review of all the steps of this cycle and is concluded by a final exercise. The body of the course is in parallel of JTS-BOC course. The future trainer have the opportunity to introduce several items of this course and drives the trainee during practical exercises. This course follows the JTS-BOC block approach, each addressing a specific performance objective.

Aim of the course

Learn how to train personnel on the basic functionalities of JTS, in support of the NATO Targeting Cycle. After this course, students will know how to train on the basic functions of JTS, and therefore be capable to educated personnel into their own headquarter.

Pass / Fail criteria

NIL.

Habilitation

NATO SECRET.

Prerequisite

- Have completed the JTS BOC internship.

JOINT TARGETING SYSTEM “DATA MANAGER” (JTS DM)

Theoratical and practical course tailored for future NATO targeting system data managers. 

Eligibility

NATO Officers, non-commissioned officers and civilian personnel from NATO nations likely to take on duties of JTS data manager. 

Aim of the course

Provide general overview to future system administrators regarding NATO targeting system. 

Prerequisites/Entry requirements 

SLP 2222 minimum - English Standard Language Proficiency. 

Completion of a JTS tool course, or regular use of JTS tool. 

Habilitation

NATO SECRET.

DRHAAE reference

(DRHAAE code request  in progress) 

NATO ETOC reference

JTG-JT-36969

INTEGRATED COMMAND AND CONTROL (ICC)

Technical course during which trainees learn how to use ICC various modules (ASMAN, SALTO, MTOTE). Students are trained on the software used within a NATO JFAC HQ.

Eligibility

NATO service members required to use ICC within the various divisions of a JFAC HQ or as a liaison to or from the air component.

Course notes

This course is driven by multiple practical exercises. The lead strategy is to give the students the opportunity to learn and train on the main features and modules of the tool directly working on ICC and focusing on the production of the ACO / ATO documents. Beyond the airspace management and tasking aspects, the other steps of the Air Tasking Cycle are also covered with detailed explanations given on the Force Execution and the Assessment steps. Overall, the course is divided in 4 main blocks. Each block begins with a basic approach then leads to increasingly more refined and advanced exercises. The course staff guides the trainees through each block and monitor their understanding and ability to conduct the different exercises to certify their proficiency level at the end of the course.

Aim of the course

Learn the main functionalities of ICC in support of the Joint Air Tasking Cycle. After attending this course, students will have an understanding on how to use the main features and modules of ICC, and therefore be better prepared to assume their duties within a JFAC HQ or to take part in joint air operations.

Learning objectives

1. ICC OVERVIEW (Understand the development of the ICC program, Understand the system architecture & user management,  Understand the evolution of C2 systems in NATO) ;
2. ICC MAP ( Know how to display and locate georeferenced products on the map, Know how to display and locate the content of the ICC database on the map, Know how to create, store and share content on the map) ;
3. ACO Creation and Management module (ASMAN) ( Know how to generate and populate an ACO, Use the ICC map in combination with the ACO creation, Know how to release an ACO message) ;
4. ATO CREATION AND MANAGEMENT MODULE (SALTO) (Recall the ICC database structure and elements needed for tasking, Know how to generate an ATO and create missions,  Use the ICC map in conjunction with the creation of the missions, Understand the elaboration of the refuelling plan using the dedicated SALTO module, Know how to release an ATO message) ;
5. ICC IN STAND-ALONE MODE (Understand how to open and display an ACO message, Understand how to open and display an ATO message) ;
6. ICC FOR CURRENTS OPS (Understand how to read and consult an ATO using ATO Mission Tote module, Understand how to display and set-up the RAP using Track Tote module) ;
7. ICC IN SUPPORT OF ASSESSMENT (Understand how the Mission Tote can be used to provide relevant information for the Assessment of Air Operations, Understand how the Mission Tote module can be used to enter MISREP in the ICC database).

Pass / Fail criteria

Subjective practical exercise.

Habilitation

NATO RESTRICTED.

Prerequisite

- Professional experience in air operations corresponding to the position to be held.

INTEGRATED COMMAND AND CONTROL DATABASE COURSE (IDC)

Technical course during which trainees learn how to set up ICC (OPS perspective, not CIS). 

Eligibility

NATO service members required to set up ICC as database administrator. 

Course notes

This course id driven by multiple practical exercises. The lead strategy is to give students the opportunity to learn and train on the main ICC database management features and modules. The course is divided into four main blocks. Each block starts with a basic approach, then leads to increasingly more refined and advanced exercises. The course staff guides the trainees through each block and monitors their understanding and ability to conduct the different exercises to certify their porficiency level at the end of the course. 

Aim of the course

Learn the main functionalities of ICC in database management. After attending this course, students will have an understanding on how to use the main features and modules of database/users management, and therefor be prepared to assume their duties as ICC Database administrator within a JFAC HQ or in a NATO exercise. 

Learning objectives

1. ICC OVERVIEW (Understand the development of the ICC program, understand the system architecture & user management, understand the evolution of C2 systems in NATO) ;
2. ICC DBADMIN TOOL (Understand what is an ICC database and its content, comprehend the database management concept with the different tools) ;
3. MANAGING USERS AND PERMISSIONS (Understand how to create and manage users, comprehend and manipulate the concepts of user profiles and permissions, understand how to manage security through agencies' concepts and IP adresses) ; 
4. PREPARING ICC FOR AIR OPS (Understand the data dependencies in ICC databases, apprehend the concept of fixed/ops data and ops products, understand how to prepare an OPS allocation with these data) ;
5. ICC LINKS (Understand the ICC links concept, how to administrate lionks, apprehend the ICC link interface) ; 

Pass / Fail criteria

Subjective practical exercise. 

Habilitation

NATO CONFIDENTIAL.

Prerequisite

- Completion of JFAC OCB course or equivalent ;

- Completion of ICC user course or equivalent.

ICC Airspace Management (ICC/ASMAN)

COURSE DESCRIPTION : 

Technical introduction course to the ICC/ASMAN module. The trainees receive practical training, which they will use as part of their duties within an airspace management and airspace reservation structure. This two-day module is offered right after the AOCLC[1] course (see appendix XVII), thus allowing trainees to use their time at the AO COE to be further trained.

AIM OF THE COURSE: 

ELIGIBILITY: 

PREREQUISITES / ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

SECURITY CLEARANCE: 

DRHAAE REFERENCE: 

Air Operations Coordination and Liaisons Course (AOCLC)

COURSE DESCRIPTION: 

AIM OF THE COURSE: 

ELIGIBILITY: 

SECURITY CLEARANCE:

DRHAAE REFERENCE: 

Data Link Manager / Interface Control Officer (DLM/ICO)

COURSE DESCRIPTION: 

AIM OF THE COURSE: 

ELIGIBILITY: 

PREREQUISITES / ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

SECURITY CLEARANCE: 

DRHAAE REFERENCE: