15 November 2024 - The Counter-Improvised Explosive Devices – Centre of Excellence held, from 04 to 08 November, the DOMEX (Document and Media Exploitation) “Train the Trainers” Course at its facilities in Hoyo de Manzanares, Madrid.

Organized and managed by C-IED CoE staff and sponsored by the NATO Innovation, Hybrid and Cyber Division, the Course has received 8 instructors of 3 nations (Greece, Spain and United States), including members of different armies, Law Enforcement Agencies and civilians.  

The C-IED CoE has been working on Technical Exploitation supporting Attack the Networks since its creation in 2010. Back then, it was the only international organization who offered training in DOMEX.

In recent years, demand for DOMEX courses has increased, as the Allies have realized the importance of extracting and sharing information from documents and digital devices (especially UAVs and mobile phones) found in theatres of operations. That is why the C-IED CoE supports NATO members and partner nations through the DOMEX courses (basic and advanced) with several iterations per year.

With this idea in mind, the DOMEX “Train the Trainers” Course was organized, in order to improve the instructors’ training, increase the pool of SMEs and help nations develop their own DOMEX capabilities.

During this one-week course, the previous syllabus was reviewed, improved (through a lessons-learned process) and adapted to the ever-changing global scenario. From the technical point of view, attendees were trained in advanced extraction techniques (Chip-Off) applied to damaged devices that cannot be processed using standard procedures. They also received specific training in recently acquired digital forensic tools.

As the instructors’ technical skills have been enhanced, future DOMEX courses will benefit from this advanced knowledge.

Courses will resume during the second quarter of 2025.

ADMINISTRATION AND SUPPORT BRANCH

The Administration and Support Branch plays a crucial role performing and facilitating the execution of administrative activities and procedures for the operation of the C -IED CoE.

They provide assistance in human resources, security and information flow.

 The Branch is divided into three sections:

• - Financial Control.
• - Administration Support.
• - CIS team.

 4.2.1. Financial Control

They provide support in financial planning, billing and record keeping, as well as managing the financial resources assigned to the C-IED CoE according to its MoU.

4.2.2. Administrative Support

They make sure all national and foreign personnel benefit from the rights granted to the C-IED CoE through the implementation of SOFA (NATO Status Of Forces Agreement).

This section is responsible for the Centre’s equipment and supplies, travel arrangements and messaging between the Centre and national and international organizations, such as the Spanish Joint Staff, the European Union and NATO.

All administrative and functional aspects of the CoE Lodging “Almirante González-Huix Fernández” are also taken care of by this section.

4.2.3. CIS Team

They are responsible for managing and providing support for all CIS systems at the Centre.

They bring personnel, processes and technology together, making sure all needs related to courses, meetings and conferences are technically met.

They are constantly innovating to create solutions for the different challenges the Centre faces, including cyber security and classified information.

They are responsible for planning, managing, updating and supporting the use of the CIS services and systems assigned to the CoE as an International Military Organization.