Speaking the common language of warfare

The 27 foreign participants of the NATO Listed course (which is included in the NATO Education and Training Opportunities Catalogue – ETOC) have arrived from ten Alliance organizations, representing 14 nations. This time, the Hungarian Defence Forces are represented by two delegates who specialize in doctrines and service books at the HDF Transformation Command.

The event was opened by Colonel Ferenc Schleisz, Deputy Commander, HDF Transformation Command. In his speech, he pointed out that doctrine development within allied and national frameworks plays a key role in NATO’s functioning. He emphasized that the rapidly changing global security environment and the new operational domains and procedures require the Alliance to quickly and flexibly adapt in the fields of military technology and tactical procedures. He also pointed out that doctrines and standardized agreements (STANAGs) are basic tools for ensuring coherence and interoperability among NATO allies and partners.

“Collective knowledge has outstanding significance within NATO, as the use of standardized fundamental principles by the nations is essential during joint operations. One way to achieve this is to incorporate allied publications into the Hungarian system, and to continuously develop and approve the terminological foundations. It is important to point out that the arrival of new military equipment necessitates the standardization of new concepts. The course participants are also creating a network of contacts that they will be able to draw upon in the future even in concrete professional issues” – said Colonel Ferenc Schleisz.

The goal of the HDF Transformation Command is to further raise the level of training courses in Hungary through achieving that the eleventh course to be organized this autumn will be granted “NATO Selected” status provided that the ongoing course accreditation process is successfully closed.

The significance of doctrines

Doctrines are sets of fundamental principles, guidelines and procedures by which the military forces guide their actions in support of objectives. They provide a framework for planning and conducting operations. Doctrines provide allied and national forces with a common framework of understanding, promoting cooperation and efficient action. The quick development of doctrines is especially important in today’s rapidly changing security environment, because this is the only way to ensure that NATO is able to respond in time to new challenges, technological progress and the various, transforming operational environments.