The NATO Training Technology Conference (NTTC) was held in Oeiras, Portugal, on September 10-12, 2024, gathering experts and spokespersons from 31 countries, including Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czechia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Moldova, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye, the UK, Ukraine, and the US. The conference saw around 90 participants attending in-person, with an additional 35 joining online, creating a dynamic platform for discussing the future of military training.
The debate focused on the evolution of multi-domain operations training, examining how NATO’s training strategies have progressed and where they are headed. A key topic was the cyber domain, now recognized as a critical new frontier in military operations, requiring specialized training and innovative approaches.
Additionally, the event emphasized the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing training techniques, including its impact on operational readiness and strategic planning. AI’s integration into NATO’s maturity models was highlighted as crucial to advancing training effectiveness. The cognitive aspect of military training was also a priority, with sessions dedicated to enhancing mental preparedness for complex operational environments. Medical training innovations were discussed, particularly the superiority of mixed reality over virtual reality in NATO exercises. The importance of effective training during wartime was underscored throughout the event, reinforcing NATO’s commitment to advanced, technology-driven military readiness.