The Netherlands Ministry of Defence provides training courses for international United Nations military observers and tailor-made courses for civilians who are going to work in high risk areas, including personnel from the National Police, the International Criminal Court and the Dutch Association of Journalists.
These courses are provided by the Netherlands School for Peacekeeping Operations (SPO, School voor Vredesmissies, SVV). This school is also responsible for the mission-orientation training programme (missie orientatie, MO) for military and civilian personnel going on missions abroad.
Exchange programmes
The school works closely together with other countries such as Germany, Austria and Switzerland in Fo(u)r Peace Central Europe (4 PCE). There are regular instructor exchanges with these countries as well as with other Peacekeeping Training Centers.
International training courses in 2023
UNMOC (United Nations Military Observers Course)
For military personnel in the rank of Captain, Major or Lieutenant Colonel who will be deployed as military observers, military advisors or military liaison officers on UN or EU missions (includes the mission-specific training programme).
- UNMOC 2023-1: 5 June – 30 June 2023, a total of 10 seats.
- UNMOC 2023-2: 20 November – 15 December 2023, a total of 15 seats.
Course leader: Captain Kim Blok, e-mail: otcman.svv.unspo@mindef.nl.
UNPOL (United Nations Police)
For members of civilian and military police and gendarmerie forces who will be working as individual police officer on UN or EU missions (includes the mission-specific training programme).
- UNPOL 2023-1: 20 March – 7 April 2023, a total of 15 seats.
- UNPOL 2023-2: 2 October - 20 October 2023, a total of 15 seats.
Course leader: Captain Kim Blok, e-mail: otcman.svv.unspo@mindef.nl.
Free e-Learning
In cooperation with the Peace Operations Training lnstitute, the Netherlands School for Peacekeeping Operations offers free e-learning on peacekeeping, security and humanitarian relief operations. To sign in:
- Go to: https://www.peaceopstraining.org/programs/ntcelp/spo/.
- Choose 'Sign Up'.
- Enter 'SPO' in the programme eligibility code box when you create your student profile.
HEAT (Hostile Environment Awareness Training)
-
HEAT, Netherlands Police Force National Unit.
For members of the Netherlands Police Force National Unit who will be going on a mission. -
HEAT, Reporting in Conflict Areas.
For members of the Dutch Association of Journalists. -
HEAT, International Criminal Court (ICC).
For International Criminal Court personnel. -
HEAT, Institute for International Criminal Investigations (IICI).
For Institute for International Criminal Investigations personnel.
Course leader for the HEAT-programmes is captain Jac Breur. Contact via the Planning and Programming Office: otcman.bur.penp.svv@mindef.nl.
COVID-19 measures
Due to COVID-19 measures, some courses could be cancelled on short notice. For up to date infomation, please contact: otcman.bur.penp.svv@mindef.nl.
Contact details
For questions or additional information, please contact the Planning and Programming Office: otcman.bur.penp.svv@mindef.nl.
Visiting address
Generaal Winkelman Barracks
Otterloseweg 5
6732 BR Harskamp
Netherlands
Postal address
Netherlands School for Peacekeeping Operations
P.O. Box 9
6732 ZG Harskamp
Netherlands