Emneside for OPS2203 Complex Operations
Hva lærer du
The course aims to provide the cadets with a thorough understanding of armed conflicts other than inter-state, high intensity war. The course studies low intensity and complex operations, what strategic dynamics shape such conflicts, and what utility military force has in influencing them. A consistent consideration is how military means relate to civilian efforts. The evolving role of UN peacekeeping is a prominent theme.
The first half of the course emphasises understanding core similarities and contextual differences between conflicts. It will explore prominent academic traditions regarding complex operations, as well as introducing relevant strategic variables and how to analyse these.
The second half of the course builds on the attained strategic understanding, and fucuses on translating strategic objectives into operational design, and tactical planning and execution. It provides the cadets with experience in planning and preparing a force for a specific complex operation, from higher-level mission preparation to practical execution. This includes cooperation with civilian efforts.
-
Knowledge
Upon the completion of the module the cadets:
Have broad knowledge concerning low intensity conflict and complex operations, nested in a general theory of war and the spectrum of conflict.
Have broad knowledge of strategic dynamics that determine the character of complex operations, and the utility of military force in influencing these.
Are familiar with prominent traditions of academic discourse on complex operations, including population-centric and coercive counterinsurgency, as well as the evolution of UN peacekeeping.
Are aware of future trends concerning complex operations.
Skills
Upon the completion of the module, the cadets:
Can employ critical thinking to understand how, and to what degree, military force employment can influence complex conflicts.
Can creatively visualize operations, training requirements and force design to maximize the utility of military force.
Can combine theory with relevant doctrine to describe, direct and lead tactical actions in complex operations.
Have insight into scientific methodologies that allow for rigorous research when assessing current, and preparing for future, complex operations.
General competence
Upon the completion of the module, the cadets:
Can collaborate with allied military and civilian counterparts, both in theoretical analysis and tactical planning and execution.
Can communicate the rationale, challenges, and opportunities regarding military force in complex operations, to civilian professionals and politicians.
-
The course progresses from abstract theory, through contextualized analysis and planning, and finally practical execution.
Learning arenas during the first half is a combination of lectures providing the theoretical framework and guidance for self-study, and cadet working groups analysing an assigned conflict.
The second half of the course is highly interactive. The cadets will assume different roles on command and staff levels from brigade to squad. Cadets will have to translate their theoretical understanding into iterative decisions in a variety of arenas, including seminar games, map exercises and field training exercises.
The course is taught in English and available to students from other programs, including international students. The subjects English, Physical training and Leader development is integrated with the course program.
-
Gjeldende litteraturliste for 2025 Vår finner du i Leganto
-
Assessment
The first half of the course is assessed by a group presentation of each group's assigned conflict. The presentation will be graded A-F and will count as 40% of the module grade.
The final assessment of the course is an individual essay, where cadets will demonstrate their ability to synthesise knowledge and experience from the course. Questions for the essay will be handed out at the start of the course, and students are expected to hand in their essay at the end of the course. The essay will be graded A-F and will count as 60% of the module grade.
In the event of a cadet failing one of the assessments, only that assessment is required as a re-sit examination.
-
Subjects at NDUC are evaluated regularly as part of the university college quality system. Student evaluations are part of this work and the cadets will be asked to participate in evaluation of the subject after the fulfillment of its tuition and assessment.
