Navigating the Future: The 15th NATO M&S Basic Course back in Rome!
Rome – from 20-23 November 2023, the NATO Modelling & Simulation Centre of Excellence (NATO M&S COE) orchestrated the 15th edition of the NATO M&S Basic Course in the captivating city of Rome, Italy. This NATO Approved course, a cornerstone for M&S education in the Alliance, has returned to in person instruction to increase the depth of knowledge for the students.
The course aims to instil fundamental knowledge about the application of Modelling & Simulation (M&S) in the military context. From Statistics, Probability, and Randomness to Model Development and real-world use cases. The curriculum unfolds like a roadmap to M&S proficiency. Students were exposed to M&S supporting training, interoperability, distributed simulation, concept development, experimentation, and the crucial aspects of verification, validation, and accreditation. The horizon widened to encompass decision-making support, all while exploring the latest trends in M&S.
A group of 26 students from diverse nationalities converged in a collective effort to elevate the M&S community. Guided by a team of 16 expert instructors hailing from academia, industry, NATO Warfighting and Training Centres, the NATO CCDCOE, and the Italian Army Simulation Centre (CESIVA), the course embodied the collaborative spirit of the M&S community. Instructors seamlessly blended in-person and remote presentations from locations worldwide, aligning with NATO’s dynamic and flexible requirements.
Breaking new ground, the course provided students with immersive experiences through live demonstrations of cutting-edge simulators. From the Joint Theater Level Simulation (JTLS-GO) and the Virtual Battle Space 3 (VBS3), participants witnessed the power of M&S in action.
Colonel Francesco Pacillo, the NATO M&S Director, expressed his delight, stating, “During this course, the students’ enthusiasm was palpable, matched only by the exceptional delivery of high-quality lectures and practical sessions by our dedicated instructors. This activity served as more than just an educational journey; it created a platform for networking and shared experiences within the vibrant M&S community.”
In 2023, the NATO M&S COE will expand its course portfolio, committed to hosting the M&S Basic Course twice per year. Beyond that, an array of courses and training activities in the ever-evolving field of M&S awaits. For detailed insights, navigate to the NATO M&S COE website and peruse the rich course catalogue.
Embark on a journey into the future of military excellence – where innovation, collaboration, and hands-on experience converge at the NATO M&S COE!
For further information click on:
M&S Courses and Training Activities
Written by Cdr Dino D. Tropea and Lt. Col. Cristoforo Russo NATO M&S COE
See here the Italian MoD Press Release
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The NATO Modelling & Simulation Centre of Excellence is dedicated to the promotion of Modelling & Simulation in support of operational requirements, training and interoperability. The Centre act as a catalyst for transformation through the involvement of NATO, governments, academia, industry, operational and training entities, by improving the networking of NATO and nationally owned Modelling & Simulation systems, the cooperation between Nations and organizations through the sharing of Modelling & Simulation information and developments and serving as an international source of expertise for transformation in the related domain. https://www.mscoe.org
NATO Centres of Excellence are nationally or multi-nationally funded institutions accredited by NATO. They train and educate leaders and specialists from NATO member and partner countries, assist in doctrine development, identify lessons learned, improve interoperability and capabilities, and test and validate concepts through experimentation. They offer recognized expertise and experience that is of benefit to the Alliance and support the transformation of NATO, while avoiding the duplication of assets, resources and capabilities already present within the NATO command structure. Although not part of the NATO command structure, they are part of a wider framework supporting NATO Command Arrangements. [source https://www.act.nato.int/centres-of-excellence]
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