OVERVIEW
This 2-day module explains the concepts of strategic communications, the behaviour-centric approach, cognitive effects, information activities, and the role of the Strategic Communications function. The emphasis is on providing students with an understanding of how to integrate these concepts into the conception, planning, and execution of military activities. The course is designed to be integrated into national staff training and can be adapted to support overall course objectives.
AIM
The aim of the Intermediate Staff Strategic Communications Module is to increase students understanding of the Strategic Communications function and the contribution of cognitive effects to mission success. The module meets the national education and training requirements for personnel assigned to NATO posts set out in NATO ASCP-1: NATO StratCom Training Standards, Annex E Para 4a-c.
TRAINING AUDIENCE
The primary training audience for the module are OF3, OF4, OR-8/9 undergoing further staff training in preparation for assignment to higher tactical, operational, and strategic headquarters.
STRUCTURE
A 2-day residential course consisting of interactive lectures, case studies, syndicate work, and moderated panel discussions.
PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
a. Explain the principles, tools, techniques, and procedures of NATO Strategic Communications.
b. Explain the role of the Strategic Communication function in the Operations Planning, Joint Effects, and Joint Targeting Processes.
c. Explain how information activities are used to deliver desired cognitive effects within a defined audience.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
On successfully completing the course, students will be able to:
a. Explain the concept and principles of NATO Strategic Communications.
b. Explain how social and behavioural science are relevant to military operations, missions, tasks, and activi ties.
c. Explain the importance of the Information Environment and Information Environment Assessment.
d. Explain the role of StratCom in the Operations Planning, Joint Effects and Joint Targeting processes.
e. Identify an appropriate mix of information activities to achieve a specified cognitive effect.
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
Attendance and participation in interactive lectures; Applied syndicate work.
NATO CERTIFICATION REMARKS
This module is registered within the NATO Allied Command Transformation e-ITEP training catalogue under course code STC-ST-26908. It meets the national Strategic Communications education and training commitments agreed by NATO Allies and set out in NATO ASCP-1: NATO StratCom Training Standards, Annex E Para 4a-c.