OVERVIEW
This module provides a basic introduction to Strategic Communications for military and civilian personnel assigned to a NATO J9 CIMIC and J10 Strategic Communications, their national equivalents, or those assigned to other Strategic Communications, Information Operations, Public Affairs, Psychological Operations, or Civil-Military Cooperation roles. The focus of the module is to develop and enhance the student’s understanding of Strategic Communications in order to prepare them for further role-specific training. While the focus is on the strategic, operational and upper tactical levels, it is equally applicable to all levels of the NATO Command and Force Structure and their national equivalents down to divisional level.
AIM
The aim of the Strategic Communications Foundation Module is to provide personnel assigned to NATO J9 CIMIC and J10 Strategic Communications roles – or their national equivalents – with a baseline understanding of StratCom within the context of NATO-led operations, missions, and activities in preparation for further role-specific
training. The module will prepare students for assignment to, or liaison with, NATO military headquarters in accordance with ASCP-01: NATO StratCom Training Standards, Annex F, and the NATO StratCom Training Requirements Assessment Review dated January 2024.
This module is also suitable to provide an introduction of NATO StratCom for commissioned and non-commissioned personnel of OF3 and below assigned to other J functions.
TRAINING AUDIENCE
The primary training audience for this module are individuals assigned to positions in NATO J9 CIMIC and J10 Strategic Communications, their NFS equivalent, or those assigned to other Strategic Communications, Information Operations, Public Affairs, Psychological Operations, or Civil-Military Cooperation roles. Students require no previous communications training or experience to attend the module, however assigning officers should note that individuals should also have the relevant pre-assignment training and experience set out in ASCP-01 Annex E and the Job Description for the NATO post they are assigned to.
This module is also open to personnel assigned to equivalent roles within Defence and Security institutions of NATO Allies, Partner nations, and IOs. It is also suitable to provide an introduction of NATO Strategic Communications for officers of OF4 and below, and non-commissioned ranks, assigned to other J functions.
STRUCTURE
This is a 5 day residential module consisting of interactive lectures, case studies, and moderated panel discussions. The emphasis is on the education of students to understand the NATO concept for Strategic Communications, the role of the StratCom function, and enable multi-national interoperability within the context of a NATO J9 or J10 division.
PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
a. Explain the concepts, principles, tools, techniques, and procedures of Strategic Communications.
b. Explain the role of the StratCom in the context of NATO Joint Doctrine.
c. Explain the relevance of StratCom to the outputs of a J9 or J10 division.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
a. Understand Strategic Communications, including capstone documents, political and
strategic D&G, structure and staff work (StratCom Frameworks and StratCom Implementation Guidance).
b. Understand the key tenets of behavioural science and how audiences, behaviour, and narrative
thinking are relevant to military operations and activities.
c. Understand the key aspects of the Information Environment and Information Environment
Assessment.
d. Understand the role of StratCom in the Operations Planning, Joint Effects, and Joint Targeting
processes.
e. Understand how to apply StratCom principles and direction & guidance to their role within J9 CIMIC or J10 Strategic Communications.
f. Identify an appropriate mix of military capabilities, military activities, and communications
capabilities to achieve a specified cognitive effect.
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
Participation in interactive lectures; final knowledge test – passmark 70%
NATO CERTIFICATION REMARKS
The module is registered within the NATO Allied Command Transformation e-ITEP training catalogue under course code STC-SC-26840. It was developed based on the CCD2 developed during the NATO ADVANCED NATO StratCom Orientation TNA workshop, March 2021. It meets the requirements for NATO ADVANCED StratCom Common Core Skills set out in ASCP-1: NATO StratCom Training Standards, Annex F Para 4c, and the StratCom TRA Review dated January 2024.
COURSE DATES 2025
SF25/1: 24-28 March 2025
SF25/2: 8-12 September 2025