Prepare the Force (PtF)
Branch Chief
Oberstleutnant (LTCOL) Matthias Döpping
The Prepare the Force (PtF) Branch is a vital component within the COE, structured into two specialized sections: the Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) Training Section and the C-IED Lessons Learned Section. This branch plays a pivotal role in supporting the identification and definition of requirements and objectives related to multinational education, training, and exercises across allied forces.
Training
Operating within the broader C-IED community of interest the PtF Branch is dedicated to fostering the harmonization and standardization of allied C-IED training efforts. In close coordination with HQ SACT, the branch is instrumental in designing, developing, and delivering advanced multinational courses tailored for C-IED professionals. These courses cover a comprehensive range of topics including doctrine development, education and training methodologies, evaluation processes, and the systematic analysis of lessons learned from past C-IED operations.
Explore the courses we offer below.
Lessons Learned
The C-IED COE serves as NATO’s Out-of-Theatre C-IED Lessons Learned Coordinator, supporting NATO entities, partner nations, and coalitions operating in IED environments. In collaboration with the Joint Analysis and Lessons Learned Centre (JALLC), the C-IED Community of Interest (COI) was established on the NATO Lessons Learned Portal (NLLP) to serve as a centralized hub for sharing, collecting, and disseminating lessons learned.
Users can access the C-IED COI portals by registering on both the classified and unclassified NLLP platforms. The COI acts as the “one-stop shop” for all C-IED-related lessons learned information. As part of its coordination role, the C-IED COE organizes a biennial Lessons Learned Workshop.