In the barracks "Colonel Mirko Vukušić" in Zemunik, at the end of September and the beginning of October 2024, a two-week NATO seminar focused on enhancing defense education was held, with a special emphasis on training members of the Armed Forces of the Kingdom of Morocco. This seminar, organized within the framework of NATO's DEEP (Defense Education Enhancement Programme) program, brought together 25 participants from Morocco and about 20 instructors and support staff from Croatia and other NATO member countries, including the United States, the Czech Republic, Estonia, and Slovenia.

The DEEP program, which NATO uses as a key tool for cooperation with partner countries, aims to support the reform of military educational institutions and ensure the transfer of knowledge and skills that are crucial for the modernization and professionalization of defense capacities. Through this seminar, participants had the opportunity to develop specific skills and strategies in training soldiers to operate armored transporters, as well as to improve the structure of non-commissioned officer cadre within the Armed Forces of Morocco. The main focus of the seminar was on developing specific plans and programs that would be tailored to the needs of the Moroccan military, with an emphasis on strengthening their interoperability within NATO frameworks.

NATO's DEEP program has evolved since its establishment in 2007 into one of the most important instruments for the development of educational and military institutions in partner countries. Participation in such programs allows partner countries to modernize their educational systems, adapt them to contemporary military challenges, and achieve a higher level of professionalism and operational readiness. In seminars like this one in Zemunik, participants gain valuable experience in building educational programs, but also in adopting new training methods and military pedagogy, which are crucial for the long-term development of capabilities.

Interoperability and cooperation through DEEP

One of the main objectives of NATO's DEEP program is to build interoperability among the armed forces of partner countries, which is achieved through the exchange of knowledge, joint training, and the adaptation of curricula. This approach ensures that countries like Morocco can effectively participate in international operations, thereby enhancing security and stability in the Euro-Atlantic region and beyond. Through DEEP, partner countries receive support not only in educational processes but also in the development of comprehensive management systems and command chains.

During the seminar, instructors from Croatia and other NATO countries provided participants with a detailed insight into modern training methods while simultaneously conveying best practices in military management, strategy, and tactics. Such seminars are not only opportunities for learning but also for strengthening international cooperation, as they enable participants from different countries to work together to address the challenges faced by their armed forces. NATO's strategy is focused on providing long-term support to partner countries to become self-sufficient in military educational systems, thereby reducing the need for external assistance in the future.

Strengthening military education through NATO

The DEEP program is one of NATO's key instruments for achieving stability and security in the Euro-Atlantic region and beyond. The modernization of educational systems in partner countries enables a faster adaptation to new security challenges and increases the ability of their armed forces to operate in accordance with NATO standards. Additionally, developing training capabilities for non-commissioned officers, who are crucial for the operational functioning of armies, plays an important role in strengthening overall defense readiness.

Holding such seminars in Croatia further confirms its important role within NATO and its contribution to collective security. Through DEEP programs, Croatia not only strengthens its own capacities but also actively contributes to the development of military systems in partner countries, which is of crucial importance for global stability and security. With continuous NATO support, DEEP will continue to be a key tool for strengthening military education and defense capacities worldwide.