Most of these courses were developed by international Cooperative Development Teams of the PfP Consortium's Advanced Distributed Learning Working Group.  Exceptions are noted in the course descriptions.

You may participate in these courses via the websites listed next to each course.

The primary location for these courses is on the PfP Learning Management System "powered by ILIAS" and hosted by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology - http://pfp.ethz.ch  This Learning Management System features more than 50 self-paced courses. The service is free and there is no obligation. You may register and start today!

Additional courses are available at https://jadl.act.nato.int/ These courses are password protected.

Course name / description  Server location (URL)

(NEW) ELTEC, English Language Training Enhancement Course.
Course Location: http://pfp.ethz.ch/
(added Feb., 12 2009)
For officers and civilian officials who will be using English in an international headquarters such as NATO or ISAF. The available modules of the course will help you enhance your communication skills for professional activities such as participating in meetings and speaking on the telephone. Future modules will cover corresponding by letter or e-mail and military briefings. Each module will take approximately 4-6 hours to complete. It is comprised of lessons focused on specific competencies, which may be mastered in 20-40 minutes. ELTEC provides authentic examples and situations, presents vocabulary in context, and gives immediate feedback on your level of understanding. By improving your ability it will increase your confidence, allowing you to more effectively participate in the staff. The ELTEC is designed by a global team from the George C. Marshall Center in Germany, the Rakovski Defense and Staff College in Bulgaria, the U.S. Defense Language Institute, the U.S. Joint Forces Command, NATO Allied Command Transformation, the NATO School, and the International Research and Training Center for Information Technologies and Systems in Ukraine.

(NEW) NATO Rules of Engagement
Course Location: http://pfp.ethz.ch/
(added July., 31, 2008) Provide a basic knowledge on NATO Rules of Engagement. To offer the interested course participant a general overview on the problematic of NATO’s ROE.

Developing Security Strategy: the U.S. Approach. 
Course location:  http://faculty.nps.edu/dl/pfp/

Developed by the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School, the goal of this module is to further NATO’s Education for Reform agenda, particularly the Partnership Action Plan on Defense Institution Building, and support the mission of the PfP Information Management System to strengthen security cooperation and interoperability among Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC) countries. The development of national security strategies by EAPC governments is a challenging and important part of good governance. As such, the processes used by the U.S. may be of interest to all involved in defense reform and transformation. This module introduces you to the fundamentals of the US national security strategy, and the process for its formulation. You are asked to compare key aspects of U.S national security strategy with their counterparts in another country to give you a broader context for understanding the role of security strategy within defense policy-making in democratic governments. 

Building Defense Institutions:
Course Location: http://pfp.ethz.ch/
This course contains factual, conceptual and procedural information on how democatically responsible defense institutions are set up and run. It targets early/mid-career officers and civil servants from EAPC countries. It offers effective learning for all 10 objecitves of the NATO Partnership Action Plan - Defense Institution Building. Modules can be taken individually. It is free of charge. Switzerland has created this course as a contribution to the Partnership for Peace.

Chemical and Biological Weapons Non-Proliferation:
Course Location: http://cbw.sipri.se
The purpose of this educational module is to provide the user with an understanding of non-proliferation. Non-proliferation strategies encompass a range of issues, from limited arms control measures and counter-proliferation initiatives, to complete disarmament regimes. The study of chemical and biological weapons (CBW) encompasses all of these elements, and as such it will provide the focus for the module.
 
CIMIC Overview for NATO SCHOOL :
Course Location: http://pfp.ethz.ch/
This module will provide you with the basic knowledge of civil military cooperation (CIMIC) in NATO

Combating Trafficking in Human Beings:
Course Location: http://pfp.ethz.ch/
This course introduces you to NATO's policy on the widespread problem of trafficking in human beings (THB).

Conducting a Computer Assisted Exercise (CAX):
Course Location: http://pfp.ethz.ch/
"Conducting a Computer Assisted Exercise" provides an overview of the organisational structure, tools, and processes needed to execute a Computer Assisted Exercise. The target audience is those individuals managing or participating in a Computer Assisted Exercise and/or individuals with interest in conducting Computer Assisted Exercises.

Conflict Management and Negotiation:
Course Location: http://pfp.ethz.ch/
This course is a ten-unit, self-study introduction to International Conflict Management and Negotiation. Combining both academic theory and practical case studies, the curriculum provides a broad overview of the field and illustrates ways in which various concepts can be applied by practitioners in the field.

Critical Infrastructure Awareness
Course Location: http://www.dndlearn.forces.gc.ca/
The Critical Infrastructure Awareness ADL course was developed at the behest of the NATO Conference of Commandants of Alliance Defense Colleges by the Canadian Cooperative Development Team (CDT). It is a Canadian product offered for use by NATO members and Partners. Its purpose is to enhance knowledge and awareness of Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) issues for current and prospective strategic-level civilian and military leaders. To register for this online course e-mail to: railer.wg@forces.gc.ca

Defence Against Suicide Bombing (25 hrs):
Course Location: http://pfp.ethz.ch/
"The 'Defence Against Suicide Bombing' course was planned to inform about the most acute and serious threat, 'suicide bombing'. The course is developed in the Centre of Excellence - Defence Against Terrorism (COE-DAT), Ankara/Turkey and is provided for the purpose of keeping NATO personnel informed about suicide bombing attacks. The opinions and the comments expressed in this course are those of lecturers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy of COE-DAT, the Turkish General Staff of Republic of Turkey, or NATO."
 

English Skills for Staff Officers II:
Course Location: http://pfp.ethz.ch/
The purpose of this on-line multimedia course is to engage officers in language learning and to facilitate the language learning process by the use of modern technologies. The course is primarily intended for self study and may be followed or accompanied by the instructor-led activities either in a classroom or on-line. It is expected that the course will be used by officers to prepare for their classroom training sessions, as an instrument for helping to keep language skills current, and as a reference book containing templates, examples and guidelines for applying their writing and speaking skills. Implementation is based on the PfP LMS authoring with provisions for accessibility of multimedia elements, including animations and audio fragments. This web-based course uses the PfP Consortium of Defense Academies and Security Studies Institutes Learning Management System (PfP LMS). It is offered here for informational purposes only, without accreditation or instructor interaction.

Ethnic Conflict and Peace Operations:  Course Location: http://pfp.ethz.ch/
This course will focus on the evolution in the nature of future conflict, with particular emphasis on ethnic conflict and intercommunal violence.

 
European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP): Course Location: http://pfp.ethz.ch/
This course provides an introduction into the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP). It discusses the most important aspects of and questions related to ESDP. This includes an overview of the history of ESDP, European Union (EU) institutions concerned with implementing ESDP, EU civilian and military capabilities, the relationship between the EU and NATO, and EU operations carried out within the framework of ESDP. The last lesson provides a glimpse into the future and discusses some of the most important current and future challenges to ESDP.
 
Fundamentals of CBRN Defence: Course Location: http://pfp.ethz.ch/
This course discusses: the history of chemical and biological warfare; characteristics and effects of various nuclear and radiological weapons; characteristics and effects of biological agents; WMDs and NBC risks to NATO. The purpose of the Fundamentals of CBRN Defence course is to provide an overview of the history, characteristics, and effects of CBRN warfare. After completing the module, you will know the impact of CBRN warfare, and the various initiatives of weapons of mass destruction.
 
Human Trafficking: Causes, Consequences, Counter-strategies Course Location: http://pfp.ethz.ch/
This course distinguishes between various types of human trafficking; provides an overview of the history of human trafficking and counterstrategies; discusses the causes and consequences of human trafficking; and critically assesses the achievements of counter-strategies devised and implemented by governments, international organizations, and private actors. 
 

Introduction to Human Rights:  Course Location: http://pfp.ethz.ch/
This introductory course familiarises you with contemporary human rights law and its affect upon the individual, the nation State, and the international community.

Introduction to Information Operations: Course Location: http://pfp.ethz.ch/
This module intends to highlight the rapidly evolving situations where military operations are affected by media and public perceptions. At the conclusion of this module, you will be able to discuss the following INFO OPS topics: 1. Fundamentals; 2. Roles and Structure; 3. INTEL Support; 4. Coordination Requirements; and 5. Planning. 
 

Introduction to International Humanitarian Law: Course Location: http://pfp.ethz.ch/
This self-paced, self-diagnostic, distance learning program has been designed to introduce participants to the legal and international humanitarian law issues involved in military operations.

 

Introduction to Maritime Operations: Course Location: http://pfp.ethz.ch/
This course provides an overview of Introduction to Maritime Operations. It is organized into units, each one covering a separate topic and area, with a fifth unit that provides you with the setup information for the Zoran Sea Exercise. At the conclusion of this course you will be able to discuss: 1. Naval Operations and Concepts; 2. Maritime Command and Control; 3. Naval Warfare Focus Areas; 4. NATO Maritime Operations; and 5. Zoran Sea Exercise
 
Introduction to NATO (V.4.3 Course Location: http://pfp.ethz.ch/
The purpose of this course, Introduction to NATO, is to provide an introduction to NATO structures, policies and operations, as well as, an overview of the current issues facing the Alliance. The course is primarily designed for the benefit of newly appointed regular and reserve officers from NATO and Partner Countries and civilian officials taking up national or international responsibilities in the security field. (This is an updated version from V.4.2 and V.4.0)

Introduction to Satellite Operations  Course Location: http://pfp.ethz.ch/
This course is an introduction to satellite operations focused on the physical behaviour of satellites in space.  The course uses pictures, animations, links to other websites, and narratives in non-technical terms to accomplish the course objectives. Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:
1. List and describe basic satellite subsystems.
2. Recall basic principals and laws of satellite orbits.
3. Explain basic terminology used to describe satellite orbits.
4. Explain the advantages and disadvantages of different satellite orbits.
5. Summarize how different orbits are employed in support of military operations.
6. List and describe the major orbital perturbations
Introduction to Satellite Operations is self-paced course.
 
 
"International Security Risks" (Drugs, Migration, Climate, Finance, Terrorism)  Course Location: http://pfp.ethz.ch/
This course consists of various modules, each one of which deals with a different international security risk such as cyber warfare, migration, drug trafficking, instability on financial markets, and the destruction of the environment. The modules discuss links between security, risk, and the phenomena in question and present overviews of the main problems and counterstrategies as developed and implemented by states and international organizations. Interactive elements allow students to evaluate the issues involved and to devise strategies for dealing with the risks. The aim of this course is to make students familiar with theoretical concepts that are important for understanding the link between security and risk in general and the various topics discussed in the course in particular. Apart from those objectives concerning theory, students will gain insights into the empirical dimensions of several international phenomena. By showing that risks are to a certain extent constructed and that this construction does not necessarily reflect 'objective reality', students learn to question their own perceptions and that of others. This capacity, in turn, permits students to weigh the pros and cons of various risk policies and to propose their own strategies.

Information Security Fundamentals:  Course Location: http://pfp.ethz.ch/
This course is an updated and expanded e-learning version of the Information Security Fundamentals seminar held by ISN on 25-27 August 2003 in Zurich and co-developed with Danielyan Consulting LLP.

Introduction to Medical Intelligence (MEDINT) Course Location: http://pfp.ethz.ch/
Medical Intelligence training is aimed at staff personnel or those assigned into future billets as NATO medical staff officers on strategic, operational or tactical level. It provides a basic MEDINT foundation that you will need in your job, and is designed to prepare you for more in-depth training (Medical Intelligence course # N9-87) at the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO).
 
Intro to the UN Security Council: Course Location: http://pfp.ethz.ch/
This learning object introduces to the UN Security Council, its main responsibilonities, functions, powers, and structure.

Law of Armed Conflict Course Location: http://pfp.ethz.ch/
Its aim is to enable participants to learn the principles of Law of Armed Conflict(LOAC)and to integrate them successfully into the decision-making process during hostilities. The target audience is middle ranking officers from EAPC/PfP member states. The course comprises basic knowledge of fundamentals, implementation and responsibilities of LOAC case studies and suggested readings, online resources and links to relevant websites. Study time: 1-2 hours-a-week study for 3 months.
 
Map Reading  Course Location: http://pfp.ethz.ch/
The purpose of this course is to provide an introduction to 'Map Reading' with focus on handling Universal Transversal Mercator (UTM) and Military Grid Reference System (MGRS) Co-ordinate systems.
 
Multinational Crisis Management  Course Location: http://pfp.ethz.ch/
This course discusses the political, military and civil aspects of Crisis Management, and the role, functions, and relations of NATO in Crisis Management. The course will introduce:
* The Concept of Crisis Management.
* NATO Crisis Management Process (Organization, Systems, and Procedures).
* NATO's Cooperation & Partnership with International Organizations and Non-NATO Nations.
 
National Security and Defense Strategy Estrategia de Seguridad y Defensa Nacional (Spanish) (20 hrs): Course Location: http://pfp.ethz.ch/
El objetivo de este curso es proveer un cocimiento básico de las consideraciones que rodean la Seguridad y Defensa Nacional al militar de alto rango del hemisférico occidental, la policía nacional y los lideres de seguridad nacional para permitir un análisis adecuado y planeamiento estratégico para prevenir y solucionar crisis de varios áreas que puedan afectar la defensa y seguridad de la "Estado-Nación".
 

NATO Partner Joint Medical Planners' Course (JMPC)  Course Location: http://pfp.ethz.ch/
JMPC training is aimed at beginning-level medical planners or those assigned into future billets as NATO medical planners on the more tactical or operational levels. It provides those basic planning tools you will need in your job, and is designed to prepare you for the more in-depth JMPC training (course # M9-79) at the NATO School Oberammergau (NSO).
 
NATO Major Incident Medical Management (MIMMS)  Course Location: http://pfp.ethz.ch/
This read-ahead module highlights the NATO School Oberammergau course, Major Incident Medical Management & Support: The Practical Approach at the Scene. This module is meant as a preparatory guide and not as a replacement for the in-residence MIMMS course. The core text has been prepared to provide an internationally recognizable approach to major incident management, with principles that are applicable in the civilian and military environments. For the military, a single Annex has been devised with a generic approach applicable to NATO and PFP Allies.
 
NATO/Partner Operational Staff Officer’s Module: Course Location: http://pfp.ethz.ch/
This module prepares NATO and Partner officers to function at an entry level in a NATO - led, multinational Headquarters for the purpose of conducting Peace Support Operations. At the conclusion of this module you will be able to discuss the following topics. 1. Multicultural Diversity; 2. Working with Interpreters; 3. NATO; and 4. The Operational Planning Process (OPP).
 
NATO Partner Senior Medical Staff Officers' Course (SMSOC) Module  Course Location: http://pfp.ethz.ch/
SMSOC training is aimed at senior-level medical planners or those assigned into future posts as NATO Medical Advisors on the tactical or operational levels. It provides those basic planning tools you will need in your job and is designed to prepare you for the more in-depth SMSOC training (Course M9-86) at the NATO School (Oberammergau). It is highly recommended that you attend the Joint Medical Planners' Course (JMPC) training (NSO course # M9-79) before attending the SMSOC.
 
NATO's Space Support: Course Location: http://pfp.ethz.ch/
This module encompasses all activities associated with the "care and feeding" of satellites. It is part of the broader field of Space Control, and can be thought of as a contributing capability to space control. This module discusses in detail the 4 areas of Space Support outlined in Allied Joint Publication 3.3 (AJP 3.3): spacelift operations, satellite operations, space survellience, and the space environment. Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to discuss the following topics: 1. Spacelift Operations; 2. Satellite Operations; 3. Space Surveillance Operations; and 4. Space Environment Operations.
 
NATO’s Reserve Forces:  Course Location: http://pfp.ethz.ch/
This module provides operational information to all Reserve Officers. It contains relevant links, documents and explanations to understand the role of Reserve Officers in the NATO structure. This module presents the various roles, missions and doctrines of Reserve Forces throughout the Alliance and surveys how the Alliance integrates Reserve Forces in current Operations. At the conclusion of this module, you will be able to discuss the following topics: 1. NATO Policy of Reserve Officers; and 2. Interallied Confederation of Reserve Officers.
 
NATO Modelling and Simulation (M&S) Orientation Course:  Course Location: http://pfp.ethz.ch/
The NATO M&S Orientation Course is designed to provide a basic understanding of NATO's recently developed and documented M&S strategy.

Operations in the Information Age  Course Location: http://pfp.ethz.ch/
This course is adapted from a graduate level course focused on Information Operations offered at the Naval Postgraduate School in the US. Faculty members at the Naval Postgraduate School modified the content with the assistance of students from Bulgaria, the Ukraine, and Turkey. The CISO Academic Team and the CISO Technical Teams completed the course design. Peer review was accomplished with participation from the NATO School in Oberammergau and the Bulgarian National Defense Academy. This course is intended to help you perform better as a staff officer in support of coalition military operations in today's high technology military environment. Coalition operations are expected to be the norm for both NATO and Partnership for Peace member states for the foreseeable future.

Overview of the Inter-American System (English, Spanish or Portugese): Course Location: http://pfp.ethz.ch/
This course explores the origins and development of the Inter-American System. (English, Portuguese, Spanish versions)

Peace Keeping Techniques  Course Location: http://pfp.ethz.ch/
This course is based on NORDCAPS PSO TACTICAL MANUAL VOLUME 2. The purpose of Volume II is to give all commanders, in particular from section leaders and up to company commanders, all the details they require at the beginning of a PSO assignment. This course is primarily designed for the benefit of officers from Nations and Organisations participating in PSO as well as civilian officials undertaking national or international responsibilities in the field.

Security in the Information Age: Course Location: http://pfp.ethz.ch/
This course provides an introduction to the main risks and emerging insecurities of the information age.

SPIRIT: Security Policy, International Relations, and Information Technology:  Course Location: http://pfp.ethz.ch/
SPIRIT is an online course on the relationship between international politics on the one hand, and modern information technologies on the other. In particular, it discusses the effects of the ongoing information revolution on international relations and on security policy. The course will provide you with a basic knowledge in Internet search tools and techniques, so you can retrieve reliable and relevant information from online resources effectively. Various types of resources in that field are introduced, and examples of websites, databases and other services provided by national and international bodies are given. Finally, the International Relations and Security Network (ISN) is introduced, and the practical use of its information and news services, as well of its research and publications branch is shown.
The course has been particularly designed for students in the field of international relations and security policy, but it may also be of interest for professionals in the field, as well as the interested public in general.
SPIRIT was designed in spring 2002 by ISN e-learning team members Cornelius Friesendorf, Urs Ingold and Michael Reimann.

The Revolution in Military Affairs:  Course Location: http://pfp.ethz.ch/
This module is intended to provide background and conceptual information on establishing an RMA curriculum. At the conclusion of this module, you will be able to discuss the following topics: 1. History; 2. Three Core Categories; 3. Current RMA; 4. Art of the Possible; and 5. Strategic Divergence. (Also place in ACT archive courses). (NDC)
 
Zoran Sea Exercise Read Ahead:  Course Location: http://pfp.ethz.ch/
This module is a companion to the Space Planning Course (NS-N3-01). It provides three (3) background documents that provide an understanding of the operational situation used in the exercise scenario. At the conclusion of this module, you will be able to discuss the Zoran Sea crisis and its implications for the exercise conducted during the resident NATO School course in Oberammergau, Germany.
 
Password protected courses: 

Combating Terrorism and Illegal Trafficking: Course Location: https://adl.act.nato.int/
Combined Joint Task Force Training Modules: Course Location: https://adl.act.nato.int/
Intro to Environmental Awareness: Course Location: https://adl.act.nato.int/
Law of Armed Conflict: Course Location: https://adl.act.nato.int/
NATO Peace Support Operations (NEW)  Course Location: https://adl.act.nato.int/
NATO Operational Planning Process Course Location: https://adl.act.nato.int/
The Combined Joint Task Force (NEW)  Course Location: https://adl.act.nato.int/
UN PSO Orientation Course: Course Location: https://adl.act.nato.int/

 

Old courses (not updated): 

Bulgarian Participation in Peace Support Operations (PSO): Course Location: http://pfp.ethz.ch/
The primary purpose of this course is to provide basic information about the Bulgarian's participation and experiences in Peace Support Operations. The course is developed for Bulgarian and foreign students from various organizations that may be involved in Peace Support Operations.

Bulgaria in South Eastern European Politics, Security and Economy: Course Location: https://adllms.cmil.org/courses.html
This course provides information on international relations, security, economics and culture of Bulgaria. It also provides insight into the way international affairs are conducted in South East Europe.

 Introduction to NATO Public Information   Course Location: http://pfp.ethz.ch/
This online course introduces you to public information work in NATO, its organisational structures and responsibilities. It also discusses the political guidance for news media in NATO-led operations.

 Resource Management in NATO (2 hrs): Course Location: http://pfp.ethz.ch/
"This course is included as an orientation to the Resource Management Education Programme and NATO School in Oberammergau, Germany. The aim of the Resource Management course is to provide an overview of the global requirement process, through the Defense Requirements Review (as part of Defense Planning); to present an overview of the resource management process via the concept of the three NATO resources assets, Military Budget (MB), NATO Security Investment Programme (NSIP) and Manpower."

 

About the PfP LMS

The PfP LMS is a web-based learning management system. Available free of charge, it is distributed under the terms of the GNU general public license.

The PfP LMS can be used for the composition and publication of courseware via the World Wide Web. No programming, HTML, or scripting skills are necessary when using it. The PfP LMS is a rapidly evolving prototype that has demonstrated a high degree of stability. Courseware production is ongoing, and the experience thus gained is used for each new release of the PfP LMS.