Basic Military Operations 2027-I

In this module, the student will work with theories, concepts, doctrines, and war history, as it relates to the planning and execution of military operations at the operational level. Central to the module is the understanding of military theory and concepts, command and co-operation at the operational level, and the operating environment (OE). The framework for the teaching and learning on this module is the current OE, the future battlefield, as well as the planning and implementation of joint military operations. For this, national and NATO operational planning methods and doctrines are used, and there will be an emphasis on multi-domain operations and the connection between effects within and across domains.

Overall, this module will present students with the opportunity to reflect on, discuss, and critically engage with their own methods and approach to the military profession.  

Requirements

Students must possess a BA/professional BA, officer training on an equivalent level or another equivalent degree. Students enrolled in the MA in Military Studies must have completed the Operations Introduction Module (OPIM) before this module.

Intended learning outcomes

Knowledge

• Must be able to understand and reflect on roles, responsibilities, relationships, and processes in relation to the planning and execution of military operations, including understanding the levels of operations.
• Must be able to understand and reflect on the unique challenges and threats in the current operating environment and its implications for the planning and execution of joint operations.
• Must be able to understand and reflect on the implications of changes in technology and the character of war in present and future operations.
• Must possess specialised knowledge on military concepts and contemporary military thinking and how it relates to operational-level planning and execution.

Skills

• Must be able to contribute to the preparation of operational-level plans and high-level briefings using NATO operational-level planning methods.
• Must be able to assess and reflect on the doctrines and methodologies used in operational-level planning.
• Must be able to discuss and clearly communicate professional issues, solutions and recommendations to military and civilian superiors, civilian partners and peers.

Competencies

• Must be able to critically reflect on the practises of the miliary profession and take personal responsibility for their own professional development in order to continuously develop operational competencies, thus specialising within the military operations field of expertise.

• Must be able to continuously develop a critical understanding of military planning processes and independently present new and adjusted solutions within that field of expertise.

Learning activities and teaching methods

The module is carried out as blended learning with physical presence for a total of 31 days with intermediate distance learning periods. 

In order to participate in this module, students must have completed the Operations Introduction Module (OPIM). The Military Operations module is divided into three parts. First, students will participate in a two-week planning course (Planning).

Second, students will attend three presence modules exploring areas of Joint Warfare Studies (JWS). JWS is divided into three parts: JWS A is focused on military theory and concepts, JWS B is focused on command and co-operation on the operational level, and JWS C is focused on the OE. 

During JWS, students will complete a total of 2 tasks (one written task, and one oral presentation). This part of the module will conclude with students writing an individual exam.

The third and final part is a two-week Capstone Exercise, where students will participate in wargames and other activities that synthesize learning from the entire module. In the final day of the Capstone Exercise, students will participate in a culminating oral group exam. 

Asynchronous distance learning periods occur between the different parts of the module.

During the module, students are expected to apply knowledge and experiences from their own practice, knowledge and skills gained in the previous modules, as well as the research-based literature to exercise critical reflection on the doctrine-based planning models used in the module. Connected, the student is expected to critically reflect both in practice and on practice, on their own and in facilitated discussions.

The language of the course will be English

Key dates and times

All events and activities are mandatory.

Examination

The module is assessed through two examinations: a written examination and an oral group examination. The written examination contributes two-thirds (2/3) to the overall module grade, while the oral group examination contributes one-third (1/3). The final module grade is determined by combining the results of the two examinations according to this weighting.

No testing occurs after Part 1 (Planning Basic), but you will – if passed – receive the NATO qualification (Q). The first exam is a written exam and occurs at the end of Part 2 (Joint Warfare Studies). The second exam is a group exam and occurs at the end of Part 3 (Capstone Exercise). Two additional forms of assessment appear on the module, both of which require completion in order to continue on the module. The first task is a written assignment and it occurs in connection with JWS A, and the second task is a group presentation and it occurs in connection with JWS C. In the event that the written exam is not passed on the first attempt, the student will continue on to the upcoming module and be re-examined in accordance with current regulations until the exam is either passed or failed. Both the oral and written exams must be passed in order to pass the overall Operations module.

The use of AI will be restricted for both exams.

Written exam

Examination form: 8-Hour Written Exam (in place) 

Type of assessment: Grade cf. the 7-point grading scale.

Language of examination: English.

Censorship: Internal.

Oral exam

Examination form: Oral group exam with individual grading.

Type of assessment: Grade cf. the 7-point grading scale.

Exam language: English.

Censorship: External.

Attendance policy

According to the “MMS studieordning”, physical attendance at all presence modules is mandatory.