CIMIC Messenger in 2025
Dear Readers and Members of the Community of Interest,
As we reflect on the year 2024, we do so with a mix of gratitude for our collective efforts and a sober awareness of the challenges that have defined these past twelve months. The international security environment has been marked by profound turbulence and complexity: the ongoing war in Ukraine continues to test the resilience and unity of the Euro-Atlantic community; the Middle East remains a hotbed of instability, now compounded by the collapse of the regime in Syria, which has added a new layer of uncertainty to an already and increasingly volatile region. These crises demand robust responses and a renewed commitment to cohesion and readiness.
For NATO and its member nations, 2024 has been a year of intense operational and transformational efforts. The Alliance has worked tirelessly to adapt its capabilities, strengthen its deterrence, and re-establish a credible defensive posture in the face of emerging threats – and still has a long and arduous path to walk. Synchronization of efforts has been paramount—across nations, domains, and levels of command. This year has underscored the need to align resources and strategies, resolve to confront the intentions of adversaries and secure the Alliance’s ability to respond effectively to future challenges.
The work of the Civil-Military Cooperation Centre of Excellence (CCOE) has been integral to this effort. 2024 saw the successful execution of the co-located Annual Discipline Conference, which focused on critical topics such as the military’s contribution to peace support, human security, the promotion of building integrity in operations, and civil-military cooperation. The commitment and expertise of all stakeholders ensured that tangible solutions for training and education were developed to address the complexities of modern security environments.
Another cornerstone event of the year was the Annual CIMIC Foresight Conference (ACFC), hosted in partnership with SHAPE J9. This conference pushed the boundaries of our understanding of civil-military cooperation against future environments, threats, and opportunities. It asked the pressing question: Is CIMIC fit for the future? The robust discussions and innovative ideas generated during the conference, documented in the report available on our homepage, will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of our collective efforts moving forward.
Beyond these diamond events, the CCOE has made substantial contributions to NATO’s capability development, from the reviewed doctrine (AJP 3.19) of CIMIC to actively contributing to the NATO Warfighting Capstone Concept to supporting wargaming, concept development, and experimentation. These efforts have left visible and meaningful imprints on the Alliance’s ongoing transformation and preparedness.
The support of our Sponsoring Nations has been pivotal throughout this demanding year. The successful Coordinating Committee meeting in November underscored this collaboration, while the change of command in three Sponsoring Nations reflects both the dynamism of the current environment and the enduring commitment to the CCOE’s mission. We extend our deepest gratitude to the outgoing commanders for their remarkable support and look forward to forging strong partnerships with the new leaders as we chart the future of CIMIC and the CCOE together.
With that agenda set, we hope to provide an interesting and meaningful agenda that will update and inform you about the CCOE’s activities and vision.
As we close the year, I wish each of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. The challenges we face are significant, but so too is our resolve. Together, we will meet the demands of 2025 with renewed energy and purpose.
Together stronger!
Best Regards,
Colonel Andreas Eckel
DIRECTOR CCOE
Topics in this CIMIC messenger
- Change of commands
- The CIMIC AWARD of Excellence 2024 goes to…
- Support to UKR MTT
- Annual Discipline Conference 2024
- Exercise support: CCOE’s Role in Supporting NATO and Sponsoring Nations Exercises
- Cooperation between US Civil Affairs and the CCOE
- The Power of Reaching Out to a Wider Community of Interest
- Why Serious Gaming Matters
- The CIMIC laboratory
- Policy, Doctrine and Domestic CIMIC
- Annual CIMIC Foresight Conference 2024
- Building Connections and Catalyzing Innovation: CCOE’s Academic Network
- Case Study UKRAINE: A Preliminary Analysis
- The USA is making intensive efforts to become a sponsoring nation at the CCOE
Change of command at the Multinational CIMIC Command in Nienburg/Weser
The Multinational Command in Nienburg experienced a significant moment when the leadership was handed over to a new commander at an impressive ceremony attended by representatives from NATO member states, the local government, and civil society.
Major General Andreas Henne, Deputy Commander of the Bundeswehr Homeland Defence Command (HDC) officially released Colonel (GS) Armin Schaus from his Command responsibilities and assigned his successor, Colonel (GS) Stefan Hofmaier, the new tasks. The ceremony, which was characterised by tradition, military precision and typical northern German weather, was attended by high-ranking guests, including delegations from the (NATO) Centre of Excellence for Civil-Military Cooperation (CCOE), the NATO Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum (JFCBS) and representatives of allied nations, including the Netherlands, Italy, Poland and Hungary. Major General Henne expressed his gratitude for Colonel Schaus’ dedicated commitment and highlighted the decisive role he played in strengthening multinational cooperation and integrating civil-military efforts during his term of office. Colonel Hofmaier is now taking over not only the command of the Multinational CIMIC Command but also being the linking point for German contingent of the NATO Centre of Excellence for Civil-Military Cooperation (CCOE) in The Hague into the German Armed forces and will represent Germany as Framework Nation of the CCOE at the Coordinating Committee meeting.
A big thank you to Colonel (GS) Schaus for his exemplary service and a warm welcome to Colonel (GS) Hofmaier, who is taking on this important task. It may be noted that he served as branch Chief of Concepts, Interoperability, and capability development for three years at the CCOE and is quite familiar with us as a centre of excellence.
Change of Command at 1 CMI Command in Apeldoorn
The watchful eye of colleagues, friends, and family, Lieutenant Colonel Peter de Bock took over command from his colleague Lieutenant Colonel Jorn Segers in Apeldoorn. He not only took over the command of 1 CMI commando and the Communications and Engagement Corps. We wish Lieutenant Colonel Segers every success in his new position as mentor at the HDV and Lieutenant Colonel de Bock a good time as commander of this beautiful command and corps!
The 1 CMI (Civil-Military Interaction) Command in Apeldoorn is a pivotal unit within the Royal Netherlands Armed Forces (NLD AF), delivering non-kinetic effects in complex operational environments. The unit ensures a harmonized approach to conflict resolution and stability operations by bridging military objectives with civilian stakeholders. Its responsibilities include facilitating civil-military collaboration, fostering mutual understanding, and minimizing collateral impact on civilian populations during military campaigns. This strategic focus underscores the importance of soft power in modern defense scenarios, enhancing operational success and societal resilience.
Jorn Segers has emerged as a noteworthy figure in advancing the unit’s effectiveness. Through his leadership and expertise, he has demonstrated a profound understanding of integrating non-kinetic strategies into broader mission frameworks. His emphasis on innovation, communication, and cross-sector engagement has significantly bolstered the command’s reputation as a vital contributor to peace-building and sustainable conflict-resolution efforts. Segers exemplifies the strategic acumen and interpersonal skill set necessary to maximize the potential of 1 CMI Command.
Change of Command at Multinational CIMIC Group in Motta di Livenza
Motta di Livenza, Oct. 25, 2024. The ceremony of the change of command of the 7th Regiment CIMIC/Multinational CIMIC Group, between Colonel Ugo Proietto, who handed over, and Colonel Piero Furlan, who took over, was held today at the Mario Fiore Barracks. Brigadier General Carmine Vizzuso, the commander of the Tactical Information Brigade, on which the unit depends, attended the ceremony.
The Multinational CIMIC Group (MNCG), based in Motta di Livenza, plays a crucial role as NATO’s primary provider of Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) capabilities. Tasked with delivering expertise and operational support, the MNCG bridges military and civilian domains, ensuring that NATO missions integrate seamlessly with the environments in which they operate. Its close collaboration with the Civil-Military Cooperation Centre of Excellence (CCOE) further underscores its commitment to excellence. By leveraging the CCOE’s expertise in tactical training and exercise support, the MCG ensures its personnel remain well-prepared for the complexities of modern conflict zones.
The strong professional relationship between Ugo Projetto and the directorate of the CCOE is a testament to this synergy. Projetto’s dedication to fostering collaboration has been instrumental in strengthening ties between the two entities, enabling the development of innovative training methodologies and enhanced operational readiness. His leadership exemplifies the value of partnership and shared vision, contributing significantly to NATO’s ability to deliver effective and adaptable CIMIC solutions in an ever-changing global landscape.
The CIMIC AWARD of Excellence 2024 goes to...
The Federal Academy for Civil Protection and Civil Defence (Bundesakademie für Bevölkerungsschutz und Zivilverteidigung BABZ) in Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler has been awarded the prestigious CIMIC Award of Excellence 2024!
Bundesakademie für Bevölkerungsschutz und Zivile Verteidigung – BABZ
The award ceremony was conducted during the change of command of the Multinational Civil-Military Co-Operation Command (MN CIMIC Cmd) in Nienburg / Weser. https://lnkd.in/etjDhN7B
Colonel (GS) Andreas Eckel, Director of the Civil-Military Cooperation Centre of Excellence (CCOE), presented the award to Mr Frank Meurer, Head of the BABZ, in the presence of a wide community of interest in civil-military cooperation (CIMIC) and high-ranking guests from the military, society, and politics.
The CIMIC Award of Excellence is a flagship public relations and engagement effort designed to recognise individuals and institutions that have made significant contributions to the field of CIMIC. The BABZ is exemplary for the cooperation for its impressive achievements in providing critical expertise and knowledge for comprehensive preparation for and response to various crises, including man-made disasters, conflicts, climate change, cyber security and other pressing global challenges. The BABZ is crucial to equipping individuals and societies with the necessary skills to take action.
‘With this award, we recognise the impressive achievements of the BABZ, which effectively address the current and future security and deference questions of the alliance Member States as well as NATO…
We warmly congratulate the BABZ on this success and thank them for their tireless commitment!
Support to UKR MTT
As of February 2024, the CCOE supports the US Civil Affairs (CA) and UK outreach groups in training UKR CIMIC personnel. The primary objective of this training is to equip UKR CIMIC Field and Staff workers with the necessary skills to operate effectively at the tactical level. In 2024, the CCOE supported four iterations of this training.
CIMIC is fully integrated within the UKR Armed Forces and functions as a critical component of the Joint Function Framework. This integration provides the UKR Forces with an efficient mechanism to enhance operational effectiveness. Before this initiative, CIMIC capacity was actively deployed in the Donbass area as of 2014.
The NATO-led training spans three weeks and is designed for CIMIC personnel ranging from OR-4 to OF-4 ranks. It includes battlefield survival medical training and a week-long theoretical and practical NATO CIMIC/US CA module, culminating in a brief exercise.
CIMIC personnel are trained by US, UK, Polish, and Belgian CIMIC instructors and subject matter experts (SMEs), with supplementary support from the CCOE. This program focuses on the latest NATO CIMIC doctrinal developments and provides practical tools for implementation.
In addition to this extensive training, UKR CIMIC personnel frequently attend courses at the CCOE. These courses enhance their capabilities at both tactical and operational levels by delivering up-to-date NATO CIMIC doctrine, tools, and practical training.
The CCOE stands ready to support any NATO, EU, or Sponsoring Nations effort to assist the UKR CIMICers in meeting their challenges.
Annual Discipline Conference 2024
From June 4–6, 2024, the CCOE hosted the co-located Annual Discipline Conference (ADC) for three disciplines in The Hague. The represented disciplines were:
- Building Integrity, led by the Centre for Integrity in the Defence Sector (CIDS, Norway) and the Norwegian Ministry of Defence.
- Military Contribution to Peace Support (MC2PS), represented by the Finnish Defence Forces International Centre (FINCENT, Finland).
- Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC), represented by the CCOE.
Each discipline presented its training requirements, aligned its training solutions, and discussed achievements, future challenges, and how Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) are integrated into their respective course structures. FINCENT also introduced its proposed new name for its discipline: Integrated Security Discipline (ISD).
The conference featured additional highlights. FINCENT showcased its innovative virtual reality training methods, while the CCOE conducted a workshop on wargaming as part of its Modelling and Simulation program. Alongside the ADCs, the CCOE hosted a Training Support Conference with key CIMIC stakeholders, and FINCENT organized workshops on Human Security, Security Force Assistance, and Capacity Building.
With more than 80 participants, including representatives from the Requiring Authorities (RA)—SHAPE J9 and NATO HQ—and Points of Contact from ACT/JFD, the conference demonstrated extensive and successful cooperation between the three disciplines and their Community of Interest. A shared focus on understanding the civil environment and its key factors was a unifying theme throughout the event.
Looking ahead, the next iteration of the co-located ADCs will once again bring together these three disciplines. The 2025 conference is scheduled to take place in Finland during the week of June 10–13, 2025.
Exercise support
CCOE’s Role in Supporting NATO and Sponsoring Nations Exercises
The Civil-Military Cooperation Centre of Excellence (CCOE) played an important role in supporting various NATO and Sponsoring Nations (SN) exercises throughout 2024. The CCOE’s contributions encompass a range of functions, such as observing, training, evaluating, and providing subject matter expertise. This comprehensive involvement underscores the organization’s dedication to aligning its core concept development, training, and education mission with real-world operational demands.
As observers, trainers, subject matter experts and evaluators, CCOE personnel delivered expertise, bridging theoretical frameworks with practical applications and reinforcing the essential principles of Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC).
Equally important was the CCOE’s emphasis on the internal development of its own personnel. Participating in these exercises provided the CCOE staff with invaluable opportunities to enhance their professional competencies. This dual focus on external support and internal growth ensured the CCOE remained at the forefront of CIMIC innovation and capability development.
Looking Ahead to 2025
Building on the successes of 2024, the CCOE expands its involvement in NATO and Sponsoring Nations exercises in 2025. Its growing role in exercises demonstrates the value of a robust, integrated approach to support NATO and SN on training, evaluation, and subject matter expertise in the field of CIMC.
Conclusion
The CCOE’s dynamic involvement in NATO and SN exercises represents a critical investment in collective security. By supporting and enhancing these exercises, the CCOE not only supports NATO’s operational capabilities but also ensures its own personnel are equipped to meet future challenges. As the organization looks to broaden its contributions in 2025, its unwavering commitment to excellence in concept development, training, and real-world application remains a cornerstone of the CCOE.
Cooperation between US Civil Affairs and the CCOE
In 2021, the cooperation between the US Civil Affairs (CA) community and the CIMIC Center of Excellence (CCOE) marked a significant step forward in fostering international military collaboration on training. Establishing the Instructor Partnership Exchange initiative brought together expertise from both entities to enhance training and operational readiness for personnel in Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) and CA.
As part of this initiative, CCOE instructors play an important role in the Phase 2 CA Captain Career Course, providing expert lectures and course support as subject-matter experts (SMEs) in NATO CIMIC. Tailored CIMIC/CA familiarization courses were regularly conducted for US CA units stationed in Germany.
In reciprocation, US instructors actively contribute to the CCOE’s courses, serving as instructors and coaches. Their involvement enhances the delivery of specialized courses, including the NATO CIMIC Field Worker Course and the NATO CIMIC Staff Worker Course, ensuring knowledge exchange and the synchronization of best practices across both organizations.
Since 2022, US CA Command 353 has requested European Mission Preparation Courses (EMPCs) to equip CA teams based in Europe for deployment. These three—to four-day training programs familiarize teams with NATO-led mission protocols and prepare them for the challenges of European operational theatres.
In 2024, the CCOE supported three iterations of the CA Captain Career course and two iterations of the EMPC. This extensive and fruitful cooperation between the US CA community and the CCOE will continue in 2025!
The Power of Reaching Out to a Wider Community of Interest
Fostering collaboration between civilian and military actors is vital in an increasingly interconnected world. The Civil-Military Cooperation Centre of Excellence (CCOE) has embraced this imperative through its online seminar series. As the preferred network campus for civil-military cooperation, the CCOE offers a platform for connecting people, sharing collective knowledge, and advancing a unified purpose in the field.
The CCOE’s mission is to support NATO and its partners in achieving practical civil-military cooperation. Its seminars, designed to bring together a global civil-military community, are a testament to this commitment. By shifting to a hybrid model that accommodates both physical and virtual engagement, the CCOE has significantly broadened its reach, drawing participants from diverse backgrounds across the globe.
This year alone, nearly 400 individuals participated in seminars that tackled pressing topics such as “Civilians in Conflict: A Ukraine Case Study” (June 2024) and “Israel-Palestine: A Humanitarian Case Study” (March 2024). The series delved into leadership development with “Resilient Leadership Cultivation” (September 2024) and explored innovation through “Unveiling the Power of Serious Gaming” (December 2024). Each session offered expert-led discussions enriched by interactive Q&A segments, fostering an invaluable exchange of ideas.
A hallmark of the CCOE’s seminar series is its emphasis on enduring impact. By publicly sharing presentations, speaker biographies, session minutes, and supplementary literature on its website, the CCOE ensures the knowledge shared extends far beyond the seminar’s timeframe. This approach not only reinforces the Alliance’s collective expertise but also underlines the CCOE’s role as a knowledge hub for civil-military cooperation.
The 2024 series has set a high benchmark, and the CCOE is poised to continue its momentum in 2025. Upcoming topics include “Resistance vs. Resilience” (March 2025), “Artificial Intelligence at the Crossroad: Evil or Chance?” (June 2025), “Unifying Forces: Civil Affairs & CIMIC” (September 2025), and “Climate Change Uncovered” (December 2025). These themes promise to engage a growing audience, further uniting experts and practitioners in pursuing innovative solutions to shared challenges. The CCOE’s commitment to inclusivity and cutting-edge discourse exemplifies the power of connecting a global community of interest. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn, contribute, and grow with the CCOE in its mission to strengthen civil-military cooperation worldwide. Visit the CCOE website for updates and join the conversation. Together, we can shape a more collaborative and resilient future!
Why Serious Gaming Matters
– A Game-Changer for CIMIC Training in NATO –
In an increasingly complex and unpredictable world, NATO embraces serious gaming as a revolutionary training tool. Through the NATO Wargaming Initiative (WIN), these immersive simulations transform how military personnel prepare for real-world challenges. With a focus on dynamic learning, serious gaming fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration – key elements for success in today’s operational environments.
The Civil-Military Cooperation Centre of Excellence (CCOE) plays a vital role in developing and integrating serious gaming into training and education programmes. Unlike traditional methods, these interactive simulations immerse participants in lifelike scenarios, offering the opportunity to explore concepts such as resilience and test practical skills like liaising with non-military actors. From preparing for humanitarian missions to navigating full-scale conflicts, serious gaming bridges theory and practice.
Serious games engage participants in ways traditional methods cannot. They provide realistic, risk-free environments where players can experiment, make decisions, and learn from mistakes. Instant feedback and performance analysis help trainees refine their skills, while customized scenarios ensure training meets specific objectives. This adaptability is particularly crucial in addressing the diverse challenges Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) personnel face.
The CCOE has developed standout games to enhance CIMIC training:
WISE-AEGIS: A strategic game focusing on resilience and civil preparedness in Eastern Europe, helping participants understand the interplay between military and civilian efforts.
Art 4-5 Wargame: A competitive simulation exploring CIMIC topics during escalating conflicts, encouraging teamwork and strategic planning.
Baltic Challenge: A tactical game that hones soft skills like leadership and communication in a European setting.
ANALYSIA: A cutting-edge CIMIC wargame exploring civil factors in military operations, fostering creative thinking and collaboration.
The WIN initiative, under the theme “Understanding Better and Deciding Faster,” highlights the strategic importance of serious gaming. By integrating civil factors into military simulations, NATO ensures a holistic approach to training and preparing personnel for the complexities of modern warfare.
The CCOE’s innovative efforts align seamlessly with WIN’s objectives, offering cutting-edge games that not only educate but also inspire experimentation and adaptation. These games equip participants with the tools to navigate diverse scenarios, fostering resilience and enhancing operational readiness.
NATO’s embrace of serious gaming is more than just an upgrade to training methods – it’s a paradigm shift. By leveraging immersive, interactive simulations, NATO is cultivating a force prepared for the unexpected. With initiatives like WIN and the CCOE’s ground-breaking games, serious gaming proves that preparing for tomorrow’s challenges requires innovation today.
The CIMIC laboratory
In an increasingly complex and rapidly transforming operational environment, the Civil-Military Cooperation Centre of Excellence (CCOE) is at the forefront of supporting the NATO CIMIC community’s adaptation to future challenges. Through its Concept Development and Experimentation (CD&E) initiatives, the CCOE continually devises and evaluates new strategies and methods to enhance Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC). This process facilitates the structured transformation of innovative ideas into viable solutions, which are essential for maintaining NATO’s competitive advantage.
The Concept, Interoperability and Capabilities (CIC) branch serves as an unparalleled laboratory for developing, testing, and refining CIMIC concepts and practices, as well as new technologies and tools to support these efforts. CD&E is an integral part of capability development and represents an essential element for the continuous transformation that keeps CIMIC relevant and ready in today’s dynamic and complex security environment, ensuring the CIMIC Community’s ability to carry out its roles effectively.
CCOE CD&E’s Main Objectives are to:
- develop and refine CIMIC strategies and techniques to meet current and emerging operational requirements,
- evaluate new technologies and tools to support CIMIC operations,
- Test and refine the NATO CIMIC Analysis and Assessment Concept (NCAAC) to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of CIMIC Functions of Civil Factor Integration (CFI) and Civil-Military Interaction (CMI).
Concept Development & Experimentation: some definitions
Concept development is essential for devising solutions to both current and future challenges. However, it is the integration of analysis and experimentation that facilitates its practical implementation. These interconnected processes allow for the iterative examination, testing, refinement, and validation of concepts. Experimentation, in particular, provides an evidence-based framework for investigating issues through various methods, including but not limited to simulations and war gaming.
Experiments involve controlled investigations aimed at gathering evidence to support the development of new concepts, ideas, and capabilities, progressing through stages of information discovery, hypothesis testing, and final validation. This approach helps to reduce uncertainty, uncover solutions that may not be evident through study and analysis alone, and assess innovations objectively.
CCOE's Experimentation and Innovation Initiatives
Participation in the ICDE Conference 2024
This year, the CCOE significantly contributed significantly to the International Concept Development and Experimentation (ICD&E) Conference in Vilnius, which involved over 240 experts from NATO and partner nations. By integrating civil perspectives into military operations, the CCOE showcased innovative solutions to enhance the understanding of CIMIC in the context of synchronization between military and non-military entities in Multi-Domain Operations (MDO). A highlight of the conference was the presentation of the tabletop game ANALYSIA, which captivated participants and fostered a collaborative spirit, providing insights into the complexities of civil environments. In the final panel, Peter Schäfer, Chief of the Concepts, Interoperability, and Capabilities Branch, emphasized three key takeaways: the importance of assessment before action, understanding civil factors before engaging with civilians and non-military actors and defining objectives before synchronizing efforts with these actors. The active participation in ICD&E provided a unique platform to exchange best practices and insights on emerging technologies and security challenges and initiate future partnerships to foster CCOE’s experimentation efforts.
Involvement in the Wargaming Initiative for NATO (WIN24)
The CCOE is continuously expanding its capacity in the realm of wargaming through its participation in the Wargaming Initiative for NATO (WIN24), where it presented the strategic wargame WISE-AEGIS. The CCOE’s initiatives align with NATO’s broader efforts in serious gaming and modelling and simulation (M&S), which aim to enhance operational readiness and strategic planning. By utilizing advanced technology and innovative methodologies, these programs create realistic and immersive training environments. Wise Aegis, in particular, focuses on resilience through civil preparedness in an Eastern European setting, offering participants a concrete understanding of national resilience and its connection to military activities. Through role-playing and team-based scenarios, participants learn to navigate multiple challenges by developing and executing strategic courses of action. This approach underscores the importance of wargaming in warfare development and military decision-making, fostering collaboration, continuous learning, and adaptation to ensure NATO forces are well-prepared for diverse operational scenarios.
Exploring Artificial Intelligence in the context of CIMIC
The Annual CIMIC Foresight Conference (ACFC24) underscored the necessity for CIMIC, a fundamentally human-centric function, to explore the challenges and opportunities presented by new technologies that are reshaping the operational landscape. In alignment with its commitment to digital innovation, the CCOE is focused on investigating the current and future applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in CIMIC Analysis and Assessment. This exploratory study aims to understand AI’s role in enhancing CIMIC activities through advanced data processing, analysis, and decision support systems. AI-enabled innovations in CIMIC, such as predictive analytics and risk assessment, offer significant potential. However, they also present challenges and implications that require careful consideration of future prospects. To address these, the CCOE is dedicated for building AI capabilities through research and development, enhancing AI literacy through training and education, and developing comprehensive guidelines. Additionally, the introduction of AI tools in CIMIC exercises, including simulations and wargames, is key to ensure effective integration and application of AI in operational contexts in the future.
Experimenting the NATO CIMIC Analysis & Assessment Concept
This year, the CCOE is preparing to explore the potential of CIMIC analysis and assessment capabilities in enhancing NATO’s operational planning. Exercises such as Joint Cooperation 2025 organised by the Multinational CIMIC Command in Nienburg (MNCCMD) will provide a platform to test and evaluate the effectiveness of these analytical capabilities.
In light of the increasing complexity of the operating environment, the role of CIMIC staff within NATO’s Analysis and Assessment capability has become crucial, with the NCAAC marking a significant advancement in the professionalization of CIMIC functions. Understanding the operating environment necessitates a comprehensive analysis of the civil factors. While in the past, integration of these factors relied heavily on individual experiences, leading to inconsistent methods and processes, the NCAAC addresses these issues by defining a standardized analysis and assessment workflow, introducing structured analytic techniques, and establishing product guidelines. CIMIC staff are required to effectively integrate civil factors into a comprehensive understanding of the operating environment in a way that is useful to both staff and commanders. This capability must extend seamlessly from the strategic to the tactical level.
The CCOE’s experimentation project, in partnership with Leiden University, aims to understand the added value of NCAAC to the operations planning process. This goal is composed of two dimensions: first, to collect data and insights on the expectations of institutions and actors receiving CIMIC for operational purposes, and second, to understand the effectiveness of NCAAC in the operating environment by focusing on the direct experience of participants through direct observations and questionnaires.
Experimentation as a venue for future collaboration
The CCOE highly values the engagement and cooperation with academia as well as partners from the private sector to advance experimentation and innovation. We are eager to explore new ideas, strategies, and technologies to drive forward innovative solutions and strengthen our collective capabilities. If you have insights or projects related to CIMIC that could benefit from broader adaptation and collaboration, we encourage you to get in touch. Your contributions could play a crucial role in shaping the future of Civil-Military Cooperation.
Policy, Doctrine and Domestic CIMIC
The revised Allied Joint Doctrine for CIMIC, AJP-3.19 Edition B Version 1, has entered the ratification process. The ratification period lasts till March 05, 2025. We expect that till then, at least the necessary number of half of the NATO member nations will ratify the new doctrine and that it will be promulgated – i.e. become effective and published as NATO standard – within the first quarter of 2025.
AJP-3.19 EdB V1 introduces the core activities of Civil Factor Integration (CFI) and Civil-Military Interaction (CMI). It reflects the joint function CIMIC application across all NATO core tasks, yet focusing especially on Deterrence and Defence.
The promulgation does not imply that the development of NATO CIMIC has reached an end-state but is rather the basis for further development and improvement.
In 2025, the CIMIC COE will closely cooperate with SHAPE J9 and the NATO Command Structure to support the restart of the revision of the NATO Policy for Civil-Military Cooperation (MC 411). A main focus will be introducing the term “Domestic CIMIC”.
As the Alliance is engaged in deterrence and defence activities and operations, it deploys NATO forces within the territory of the Allied Nations. NATO forces deployment on nations’ soil necessitates the conduct of NATO CIMIC with non-military actors, from the host nation government to civil societies and the commercial/private sector. Respecting the sovereignty of our NATO members necessitates initiating civil-military interaction via the respective national CIMIC arrangements. As all 32 member nations have their own constitutional frameworks, political caveats, and civil-military doctrine, each nation’s internal approach to CIMIC differs.
The CCOE, in close coordination with the ACO CIMIC WG and with the approval of the sponsoring nations of the CCOE, suggests implementing the term Domestic CIMIC to enable nations to provide the necessary interoperability with NATO CIMIC. The draft defines Domestic CIMIC as: “A nation’s military function that conducts civil factor integration (CFI) and civil-military interaction (CMI) to support the accomplishment and synchronisation of national and NATO missions and military strategic objectives in peacetime, crisis and conflict.”
In alignment with the MC 411 NATO Policy revision for CIMIC, the term will also be processed in the NATO Terminology process and adopted as a NATO-agreed term.
Annual CIMIC Foresight Conference 2024
From 7-11 October 2024, the CIMIC Centre of Excellence, in partnership with SHAPE J9, hosted the Annual CIMIC Foresight Conference 24, which drew 150 participants. The conference aimed to explore the question, “Is CIMIC fit for the future?” To tackle this, discussions were framed around the topics of the Warfare Development Agenda and their connection to the Joint Function of CIMIC. The event featured an input phase with prominent speakers from both military and academic fields, followed by five working groups that addressed the emerging questions.
ACFC outcome
- The working groups presented their results to a civilian-military panel, making seven critical statements, which are also reflected in the official ACFC report on our webpage.
- Establish a standard definition of domestic CIMIC to clarify its requirements within the NATO context and define clear roles and responsibilities.
- In addition to standardized cross-domain CIMIC fundamentals, develop domain-specific CIMIC capabilities in collaboration with other NATO agencies and civilian partners.
- Operationalize Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) concepts by clarifying the role of CIMIC beyond engagement with humanitarian actors. This includes analyzing and assessing civil factors in the operating environment and synchronizing military and non-military activities, particularly in space and cyberspace.
- Define the Military Contribution to Human Security through discussions with other NATO agencies and civilian partners.
- Review CIMIC capabilities through experimentation and evaluation of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, to enhance analysis and assessment.
- Continue the Annual CIMIC Foresight Conference series to address specific gaps and generate standardized solutions.
- Expand the CIMIC roadshow to reach the non-CIMIC community, including military personnel.
What’s next?
We cannot afford to be complacent. Therefore, the content points will be integrated into the CCOE Program of Work for 2025. For example, our policy development will include the definition of Domestic CIMIC. Additionally, we will review existing capabilities, such as the NATO CIMIC Analysis and Assessment Capability, as part of our experimentation process. The results from this review will help us prepare for the upcoming conference. There’s no better way to foster growth than through mutual exchange, joint reflection, and vibrant discussion. We are eagerly looking forward to the Annual CIMIC Foresight Conference 25, which will take place from 15-19 September 2025.
Building Connections and Catalyzing Innovation: CCOE's Academic Network Expands with New Partnerships and an Experimentation Focus
The Civil-Military Cooperation Centre of Excellence (CCOE) has been a trailblazer in fostering effective communication and collaboration between military and civilian entities, and 2024 marks an exciting new chapter in our journey. With the previous developments within our dedicated Academic Network, CCOE is amplifying its mission by uniting scholars, military experts, and strategic thinkers under a new initiative aimed at tackling contemporary challenges. At the forefront of this initiative is a focus on Experimentation, which not only enhances CCOE’s relevance but also offers fresh avenues for research, collaboration, and practical impact.
Experimentation as a Pillar of Progress
Experimentation has always been essential to CIMIC, but by formally integrating it into our academic partnerships, we’re bringing forward new and innovative opportunities for joint research and experimentation. This focus allows universities, research institutions, and other partners to join hands in creating solutions that are both grounded in theory and applicable in the real world. Universities like Leiden University and OTH Regensburg have been instrumental in setting the stage for these projects, and we are excited to potentially expand our network to include institutions such as the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC) and Stellenbosch University in South Africa.
Launching “acaCIMICs” – A Hub for Insight and Innovation
To catalyze this new focus, we’re thrilled to announce the launch of acaCIMICs, a platform designed to connect diverse thinkers and create actionable insights. Set for its inaugural session in the summer of 2025, acaCIMICs will serve as a dedicated forum where representatives from academia, the military, and related sectors can engage in discussions and collaborate on new ideas. Each year, acaCIMICs will focus on a different theme, and for its first iteration, we’ll be diving into Experimentation. This theme provides fertile ground for academic and military minds to come together to discuss contemporary issues and emerging trends, establishing a pipeline of forward-thinking projects. By fostering collaboration with well-known partners and building new relationships, acaCIMICs will be an intellectual hub where ideas take root and evolve into impactful initiatives.
Expanding the Academic Network: New Partnerships, New Opportunities
Stellenbosch University: Bringing a Global Perspective
Stellenbosch University’s commitment for advancing knowledge and serving society aligns beautifully with our goals at CCOE. As one of South Africa’s leading institutions, Stellenbosch brings with it an impressive legacy of research and community development. With more than 32,500 students and 10 specialized faculties, Stellenbosch not only delivers academic rigor but also understands the complexities of geopolitical environments, making it a valuable addition to our academic network. The university contributed significantly to our Annual CIMIC Foresight Conference 2024 (ACFC24), offering unique insights into the role of Russian private entities in South Africa—a topic highly relevant to CIMIC. Stellenbosch University’s keen understanding of local and global contexts has paved the way for future collaborations, and we’re eager to see how our partnership can deepen in the coming years.
Royal Military College of Canada: Strengthening Resilience
Meeting the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC) at the International Peace, Security & Prosperity Forum in Palermo was a serendipitous moment. RMC’s emphasis on leadership, resilience, and psychological strength has opened doors to innovative research partnerships and learning opportunities within CIMIC. This past July, Dr. Lobna Cherif from RMC delivered a groundbreaking presentation on her “Resilience Plus Programme” at our online seminar, emphasizing the importance of resilience for leaders in both civilian and military contexts. RMC’s commitment for cultivating ethical, bilingual, and fit leaders resonates with our vision at CCOE, and we’re excited to explore this collaboration further, particularly in the areas of resilience training and leadership development.
Building the Future of CIMIC Through Academia
As we expand our academic network, we’re committed to cultivate partnerships that enrich our community with knowledge, diverse perspectives, and innovative research. Academic institutions serve as indispensable think tanks and knowledge hubs, and it’s through partnerships like these that CCOE can achieve a truly comprehensive approach. The CCOE’s mission to be a catalyst for Civil-Military Cooperation is empowered by these collaborations, which enable us to blend military strength with academic insight.
In addition to ongoing projects with existing partners, the CCOE is open for establishing new connections, bringing in fresh perspectives, and broadening the scope of Civil-Military Cooperation. Our collaboration with universities is more than just a partnership; it’s a commitment for building a future where CIMIC thrives, adapting and advancing in response to an ever-evolving global landscape.
Case Study UKRAINE, A Preliminary Analysis
The Russian Federation’s invasion of Ukraine provides a scenario closely resembling what NATO might face in a potential collective defense situation. NATO’s commitment to greater preparedness and societal resilience is enshrined in Article 3 of the Washington Treaty, while Articles 4 and 5 outline the process for activating collective defense measures. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine underscores the critical need to develop robust responses to shocks, hybrid aggressions, and armed attacks that could target Alliance member states.
In this context, it is essential for NATO to gather insights, analyze observations, and extract lessons from the conflict to better understand the interplay between military operations and the Civil Environment (CivEnv). Additionally, it is vital to explore how civil factors can strengthen military preparedness and resilience during peacetime and enhance operational effectiveness during crises.
The Civil Military Cooperation Centre Of Excellence (CCOE) promulgated in June 2024 its “Case Study UKRAINE” in which the war in Ukraine was analyzed from a CIMIC perspective with the aims to draw actionable conclusions for the role of CIMIC in Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) and the synchronization of military and non-military activities, ultimately contributing to the Alliance’s civil-military resilience and overall deterrence posture.
The analysis of the observations from Ukraine’s experience highlights the importance of a decentralized system to enhance efficiency and responsiveness to shocks. CIMIC tasks include gathering, analyzing, and reporting information on the CivEnv, identifying and assessing key civil indicators and sensitive factors critical to operational planning and execution, fostering force acceptance and transparency, supporting civil society communication efforts aligned with strategic communications, and facilitating access to non-military resources. Effective civilian support to military operations can be optimized through robust liaison efforts, underpinned by a continuously updated and comprehensive understanding of the CivEnv.
The war in Ukraine, a partner nation bordering NATO’s eastern flank and a significant contributor to NATO operations abroad (e.g., Afghanistan, Balkans), triggered transformative changes in both Ukraine and NATO. Recognizing the need for greater resilience against threats below the threshold of war, NATO initiated reforms starting with the 2016 Warsaw Summit. The 2020 NATO Warfighting Capstone Concept further emphasized “layered resilience” as one of five key “development imperatives” to address persistent competition below the threshold of Article V of the NATO Treaty. This approach calls for a broader framework of deterrence and defense that incorporates contributions from non-military actors and agencies to strengthen national and military resilience in MDO.
As part of this shift, NATO redefined its perspective on CIMIC. Now recognized as a critical component of the NATO Joint Function Framework, CIMIC has gained increased importance. This framework enhances coordination between military and non-military activities, clarifying the roles and influence of stakeholders across various domains. By leveraging NATO’s eight interconnected joint functions, commanders and their staff can efficiently streamline planning and operational processes across all domains.
The current situation in Ukraine presents NATO and its member nations with a pivotal moment in the evolution of CIMIC. For Ukraine, this entails the integration of critical civil factors into a comprehensive defense strategy that encompasses the planning and execution of military activities, alongside an in-depth understanding of population needs, institutional capabilities, and vulnerabilities. This coordination involves collaboration with all relevant actors within the operational environment.
The USA is making intensive efforts to become a sponsoring nation at the CCOE
The Sponsoring Nations are the NATO Member States that collectively participate in the Civil-Military Cooperation Centre Of Excellence (CCOE), providing personnel, equipment, funding and other necessary resources.
As of today, the CCOE’s Sponsoring Nations are the following:
Germany, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, The Netherlands, Poland and Slovenia.
But this circle could soon grow.
Colonel Pierre W. Joseph, Chief Civil Affairs Division G3, US Army Europe & Africa, announced during this year’s Coordinating Committee Meeting that the U.S. Civil Affairs Community wishes to become a sponsoring nation at CCOE as quickly as possible. He emphasized that it is paramount to our efforts to achieve NATO convergence for the USA to become a sponsor nation at the CCOE. Civil-military cooperation is a NATO joint function unparalleled in the Army’s warfighting functions.
The United States European Command is currently preparing all the necessary paperwork and will submit an application to the U.S. Army Department of Defense to become a sponsoring nation at the NATO CCOE later this year.
Also, during a liaison visit to the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School in December of this year, our delegation, led by the Director of the CCOE, COL Eckel, was informed that this intention is a priority and will be supported at all times.
But even without the USA being a sponsoring nation at the CCOE, the cooperation was further intensified in 2024.
In addition to numerous instructor exchanges with various US units, three European Mission Preparation courses were held again to prepare civil affairs personnel for their deployment in Europe.
The CCOE welcomes the US intentions and, in this context, would like to thank the Civil Affairs community for outstanding, goal-oriented cooperation.