18th NATO M&S Basic Course – 1st Session 2025
The NATO Modelling & Simulation Centre of Excellence (M&S COE) recently celebrated a significant milestone with the completion of the 18th NATO Modelling & Simulation Basic Course. This edition, held from March 10 to 14 2025, in Rome, that welcomed 20 students from various NATO member nations, not only reinforced the course’s maturity but also solidified its crucial role in shaping the future of military training and operational readiness within NATO and its partners.
A standout feature of this iteration was the integration of a cutting-edge multimedia system, transforming the training experience into an immersive and dynamic learning journey. This state-of-the-art technology enabled interactive sessions and real-time simulations, bridging the crucial gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Participants praised the innovation, highlighting how it elevated their comprehension of complex modelling and simulation (M&S) scenarios, making the learning process both engaging and effective.
The course’s success was significantly amplified by the unwavering commitment of external instructors. Their dedication underscored the importance of sharing expertise beyond geographical limitations. Their real-world insights and professional guidance enriched the curriculum, providing students with a nuanced and practical understanding of M&S applications in military contexts. Equally commendable were the M&S COE instructors, whose meticulous planning and steadfast dedication ensured the seamless execution of the course.
Reflecting on the course’s significant evolution, Col. Francesco Pacillo, Director of the M&S COE, confirmed that the journey of the course from its inception to its 18th edition was a testament to NATO’s commitment to continuous learning and operational excellence.
Looking toward the future, the M&S COE is committed to elevating this course to unprecedented heights. Plans are already in motion to incorporate next generation modelling and simulation technologies, ensuring that NATO personnel remain at the cutting edge of innovation. These enhancements aim to refine training methodologies, equipping participants with the tools and techniques necessary to navigate the complexities of contemporary and future operational environments with confidence and precision.
The 18th NATO Modelling & Simulation Basic Course was not just another successful edition—it was a defining moment in the course’s history. It reinforced its role as a premier training program, continuously evolving to meet NATO’s strategic needs. The M&S COE remains resolute in its mission to provide world-class training, ensuring that NATO forces are prepared to face the challenges of today and those that lie ahead on the horizon. For the full course plan, visit the M&S COE webpage. Up next: the NATO Exercise Support, M&S Integration Specialist Course 2025, running from May 19 to May 23, 2025—another step forward in advancing NATO’s training excellence.
Written by Cdr Dino D. Tropea and CWO Michele Pellegrino NATO M&S COE
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The NATO Modelling & Simulation Centre of Excellence is dedicated to the promotion of Modelling & Simulation in support of operational requirements, training and interoperability. The Centre act as a catalyst for transformation through the involvement of NATO, governments, academia, industry, operational and training entities, by improving the networking of NATO and nationally owned Modelling & Simulation systems, the cooperation between Nations and organizations through the sharing of Modelling & Simulation information and developments and serving as an international source of expertise for transformation in the related domain. https://www.mscoe.org
NATO Centres of Excellence are nationally or multi-nationally funded institutions accredited by NATO. They train and educate leaders and specialists from NATO member and partner countries, assist in doctrine development, identify lessons learned, improve interoperability and capabilities, and test and validate concepts through experimentation. They offer recognized expertise and experience that is of benefit to the Alliance and support the transformation of NATO, while avoiding the duplication of assets, resources and capabilities already present within the NATO command structure. Although not part of the NATO command structure, they are part of a wider framework supporting NATO Command Arrangements. [source https://www.act.nato.int/centres-of-excellence]
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