Two new ESDC pilot courses to test the training requirements for logistics – a critical enabler for CSDP missions and operations.

A few years ago, the Multinational Logistics Coordination Centre (MLCC) was appointed by the EU Military Committee as discipline leader of “Multinational Logistics in the CSDP context” and was invited to analyse the training requirements for logistics in CSDP military operations and missions. From the outset, together with EU Military Staff, the MLCC extended the scope of its analysis to include civilian needs, given the integrated character of EU external action. The outcome of this analysis was a modular training solution composed of two courses: the EU Logistics Fundamental Course and the EU Logistics in Operations Course. The European Security and Defence College (ESDC) was immediately identified as the natural framework for implementing the proposed solutions. Therefore, within a relatively short timeframe, MLCC, EUMS and ESDC designed, developed and successfully conducted the two courses. The aim of the EU Logistics Fundamentals Course (2-5 April 2019) was to provide participants with foundation knowledge of EU logistic policies, principles, concepts, and procedures in CSDP missions and operations. The course laid the foundation (as a prerequisite) for more in-depth operational discussions that were held in the following course: the EU Logistics in Operations Course (8-12 April 2019).   Beyond the immediate learning value from theoretical presentations and group work, the courses helped to establish an EU logistics network where participants from the Member States, institutions, CSDP missions and operations could share their expertise and knowledge. As one of the participants put it in their feedback questionnaire for the EU Logistics in Operations Course:

“The best part of the course has been the possibility of discussing with other fellow students our views on how to handle issues like the ones presented to us, and acquiring knowledge from the different perspectives in the process. Sometimes more than one solution was possible, which was an eye opener on how to approach a given situation.”