IFESO courses are listed below. You can apply for any course using the application form.
Available Courses
NATO Comprehensive Operations Planning Course
Comprehensive Operations Planning Course
Aim :
Prepare students to contribute as an operational-level planner to NATO’s operations planning process, using the principles of Comprehensive Operations Planning Directive (COPD) last version.
Details :
| Duration: | 2 weeks |
| Course structure: | On site (France) and Mobile Training Team |
| Language: | English 3232 IAW STANAG 6001 |
| Classification: | NATO unclassified |
| Area: | Operational Planning |
| Depth of Knowledge: | 300 – Advance |
| e-ITEP No: | JPL – OP – 36813 |
Learning Objectives
- Identify the fundamentals of joint operations in a comprehensive approach, and the contribution of major functions in accordance with MC 133/4
- Perform the analysis to support the operational level appreciation of the crisis and operational advice on MROs (COPD Phase 1 – 2).
- Apply COPD process during operational estimate Phase 3A-Mission analysis.
- Apply COPD process during operational estimate phase 3B-COA development.
- Develop an Operational Plan (OPLAN) for execution and transition (COPD Phase 4 – 6).
Course Participants :
Military officers (OF2 – OF5) or civilian equivalent.
Methodology :
Under the leadership of the lead facilitator and supported by a group of functional area subject matter experts, this dynamic two-week course simulates a joint operational-level planning group. The curriculum is comprised of preliminary e-Learning course, multiple short lectures, followed by practical exercises in syndicates (25% – 75%). A senior mentor who performs the role of a joint commander receives formal briefs and challenges students production.
Course iterations :
Code |
Course Dates – Location |
Application form |
| 18607 | 8 April – 19 April 2024 – DCI Paris | Download Application Form |
| 18610 | 30 Sep – 11 Oct 2024 – Air C2 COE, Lyon France | Download Application Form |
| 24 Feb – 07 March 2025 – Air C2 COE, Lyon France | Download Application Form | |
| 20 – 31 October 2024 – Air C2 COE, Lyon France | Download Application Form | |
Pending Courses
NATO Strategic Operations Planning Course
NATO Strategic Operations Planning Course
Aim :
Prepare assigned personnel to apply processes and method to provide analysis, assessment, and develop relevant products for submission to the approval and decision of a strategic level commander.
Details :
| Duration: | 1 week |
| Course structure: | On site (France) and Mobile Training Team |
| Language: | English 3232 IAW STANAG 6001 |
| Classification: | NATO unclassified |
| Area: | Operational Planning |
| Depth of Knowledge: | 300 – Advance |
| e-ITEP No: | JPL – OP – 36880 |
Learning Objectives
- Identify the fundamentals of NATO’s Operations Planning Process within a comprehensive approach, and the contribution of major functions at the strategic level (COPD Chapter 3, the Strategic Level).
- Strategic Assessment development (NCRP Phase 1 – 2, COPD Phase 1 – 2).
- Phase 3- Military Response Options Development.
- Phase 4a Strategic CONOPS development, drafting of the Strategic Planning Directive.
- Phase 4b Strategic OPLAN development, execution and transition (COPD Phase 5 – 6).
Course Participants :
Military officers (OF2 – OF5) or civilian equivalent.
Methodology :
The students will simulate a planning element of a Cross Functional Action Team – Strategic Planning Group(SPG).The course emphasis is on practical team exercises (vignettes) and back-briefs preceded by short lectures through the main steps of the process. A senior mentor, simulated liaison officers, functional subject matter experts, and RFI response cell support the course director and the Strategic Planning Group. The length of the course is 5 working days.
Course iterations :
Code |
Course Dates – Location |
Application form |
Sahelian Strategic Analysis
Course description :
The Institut Français d’Enseignement Stratégique et Opératif (IFESO), is offering a training course run by a duo of an academic, Mr Francis Simonis, a specialist in jihadist groups in the Sahel, and an IFESO instructor specializing in operational planning.
Based on elements of the course relating to the history of the armed terrorist groups infesting the Sahel, their successive transformations, the social soil on which they are based, their interconnections, objectives and motivations, etc., which can be discussed during the session, collaborative work in working groups will be organized in an attempt to draw useful conclusions for strategic or even operational planning.
The aim is to show how to transform data, intelligence and knowledge into planning elements, i.e. strategy.
Target audience :
- Military players: intelligence officers; international relations specialists, operational and strategic experts.
- Civilian players: researchers, development agencies, strategic institutes (IFRI), think tanks, etc.This 4-day course (Monday 08:00 to Thursday 17:00) includes lectures and tutorials. It takes place remotely on our distance learning platform.
Next occurrence : undetermined
Price: €450 / trainee
Crisis planning for Master's degree in international relations, defense and security
The French Institute for Strategic and Operational Education (IFESO), offers training in international crisis management from the military’s point of view. The aim is to understand how the military, in the face of an international crisis, define a strategy then draw up a campaign plan. This course will enable you to master essential elements (vocabulary, methods, key concepts, etc.) that will that will facilitate your future relations with the military.
This 4-day course includes lectures, tutorials and workshops. corrected practical exercises. It takes place remotely on our distance learning platform.
Next occurrence : undetermined
