Based at Liptovský Mikuláš, the Junior Staff Officers’ Course (JSOC) will extend NATO expertise and knowledge to countries participating in the Alliance’s Partnership for Peace programme.

British Armed Forces Minister Adam Ingram MP was amongst a host of international VIPs in Slovakia for the formal opening of the course, which is aimed exclusively at junior to middle-ranking officers from Partnership for Peace nations

The JSOC is unique, fostering trust and respect between students by encouraging a common and flexible approach towards military skills and problem solving.

Participation will enable a much greater level of interoperability, effectiveness and cohesion between military units, with countries better prepared to play a part in a full range of multinational operations, training and exercises.

Mr Ingram said:

“The JSOC underlines the UK’s commitment to joint training and military co-operation with countries enthusiastically engaged in the Partnership for Peace programme.

“By working together and sharing expertise we not only improve the capabilities of the alliance and its partners, we also foster trust and co-operation between countries, an essential step towards conflict prevention and long-term stability throughout Europe.”

Up to 60 officers ranked Lieutenant, Captain and Major will take part in the 12-week course that will run three times a year.

For more information about NATO’s Partnership for Peace, visit http://www.nato.int/issues/pfp/index.htm