The Advanced Modular Training (AMT) 2021 recently came to a successful end. It proved to be a well-established, adult and interactive learning opportunity for a broad but key range of audiences. This includes civilian and military personnel earmarked to work or working in CSDP–related posts at executive level within the EEAS crisis management structures, national representations to the EU, CSDP Civilian and Military Missions and Operations, EU Institutions and Agencies working in the field of external action.
An adult learning opportunity? Because we tailored the course programme as much as possible to the participants’ professional needs and interests, with due consideration for their personal pace of learning. All the course topics were structured on the basis of the following sequence: self-paced learning-expert guidance-group discussions-expert feedback. This ensured an iterative review of key aspects of each topic and more chances to interact.
Due to the uncertain COVID 19 conditions, the course was held completely in a virtual environment, using a blend of preliminary asynchronous self-paced learning and synchronous sessions in plenary and groups.
AMT is composed of two modules: EU Integrated Approach (AMT 1) and CSDP Crisis Management (AMT 2). The latter is offered in two options: CSDP Crisis Management at the Political-Strategic Level (AMT 2a) and CSDP Crisis Management at the Strategic Level (AMT 2b). AMT 1 is common and, depending on interest, participants must opt for either AMT 2a or AMT 2b.
Photo 1 – AMT 1 – Mr Sean McCarty (Manoah University) – Introducing Conflict Analysis
In AMT 1 (EU Integrated Approach – from conflict analysis to Political Framework for Crisis Approach-PFCA), held virtually from Brussels from 12 to 16 April, course participants reflected on collaboration and cooperation among different actors, namely political, military and civilian crisis management, humanitarian and development aid actors in the wider context of Common Foreign and Security Policy.
Photo 2 – AMT 2A Syndicate Work – Military Strategic Options
In AMT 2A (CSDP Crisis Management at the Political-Strategic level – from PFCA to Strategic Options), held virtually from Thessaloniki between 17 to 21 May, course participants discussed the relevant aspects of interaction among crisis management structures by practicing and discussing the procedures, key stages and planning tools of crisis management at the political-strategic level, as part of the EU Integrated Approach to Conflict and Crisis.
Photo 3 AMT 2B – Plenary discussions
Finally, in AMT 2B (CSDP Crisis Management at the Strategic level – CONOPS development), held virtually from Rome from 05 to 09 July, course participants focused on the relevant aspects of interaction among crisis management structures, practising and discussing the procedures, key stages and planning tools of crisis management at the strategic level.
Photo 3. Rear Admiral Jean-Michel Martinet, Deputy Operation Commander of the operation EUNAVFOR MED IRINI delivering the Keynote Speech for AMT 2B
We would like to thank:- Course participants for their steady and diligent efforts to learn and socialise their learning in the professional community the AMT created;
- Speakers, mentors and facilitators for their excellent, high quality contributions, advice and team work;
- The five training providers: the Hellenic Supreme Joint War College, the Italian Centre for Higher Defence Studies, Maynooth University in Ireland, the Swedish Armed Forces International Centre and the EU Military Staff.
