The Centre is pleased to announce that its first online ADL (e-learning) module, “NATO C2COE: Degrees of Authority (DOA)” is now available on NATO’s learning management system, the Joint Advanced Distributed Learning (JADL) platform.
This module is a product of the Education and Training Section of the NATO Command and Control Centre of Excellence (NATO C2COE), aligning with one of NATO C2COE’s four transformational pillars: concept development and experimentation; doctrine development and standardization; education and training, exercise, and evaluation; and analysis and lessons learned. This initiative aims to enhance the accessibility and quality of NATO’s command and control training, supporting the broader mission of knowledge-sharing and capability-building within the Alliance.
The initiative aims to provide C2 knowledge to the target audience in a modern, easily accessible format, supporting a broader discussion within the doctrinal community. This module, part of NATO C2COE’s broader E&T ambitions, focuses on the authority of NATO commanders as a fundamental aspect of the wider C2 topic. While scholars often challenge the logic behind NATO’s acronyms and definitions, statements from the operators that they struggle with C2 relationships and authorities are scarce. However, based on our observations and a prior NATO ACT request for clarification, the Centre believes that NATO’s formalities, frequent personnel rotations, and “declared successful” multinational exercises may obscure the true challenges in this area.
The module is divided into two main sections: the first provides a general introduction to C2 with a focus on “authority,” while the second describes official authority-related acronyms and other arrangements within NATO that affect a commander’s authority. The course design also anticipates future expansion, with parts that may be extended, reused or repurposed for additional modules on other C2-related topics.
Developing this final design required significant time and effort. Initially, NATO C2COE aimed to enhance a basic slide presentation (PowerPoint) on standard NATO terminology regarding a commander’s authority. However, after an August 2023 visit to NATO ACT, this project evolved into an intensive effort to create a professional online tutorial. A two-person core team worked closely with Ms. Cristie Callahan, a designer who creatively transformed the draft text into a polished module living up to current day standards. The NATO C2COE would like to thank the Modelling and Simulations Training Branch of the ACT Joint Force Development Directorate for their contractor support.
This module has a threefold target audience: it aims to provide NATO staff officers and their national counterparts with a foundational understanding of NATO’s terminology and usage of degrees of authority. The module is also valuable for junior military students, who will likely encounter these formal relationships early in their careers. Finally, the tutorial may serve as useful pre-reading or a preview for students entering NATO courses, particularly the COPC.
To access the tutorial, register at https://jadl.act.nato.int/ and look for NATO C2COE within the “CENTRES OF EXCELLENCE (COEs)” tab.
ADL 389 NATO C2: Degrees of Authority
