United Nations Military Observer Course

1. Concept and Purpose of UNMOC

The aim of the course is to prepare Military Officers for service as UN Military Observers in any ongoing or future United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (UNPKO). The course is conducted under the auspices of the Nordic Defence Cooperation (NORDEFCO).

2.    Course Outcome and Learning Objectives

The UNMO Course consists of theory, case studies, basic exercises and a final field exercise. Upon completion of the course, the students will be able to:

  • Understand UN Organisations and present ongoing UNPKOs.
  • Know observer duties, an emphasis on reporting procedures.
  • Be familiar with political, social, cultural and other factors prevailing in the mission areas.
  • Gain other abilities to enable the individual officer to solve the tasks which might be imposed upon him/her immediately following his/her arrival in the mission area.
  • Be familiar with time, climatic, topographical and environmental factors under which service may have to be conducted.

The course content derives from the Core Pre-deployment Training Materials and Specialized Training Materials on United Nations Military Observers, as described in DPKOs Guidelines on United Nations Military Observers (UNMO) in Peacekeeping Operations. 

3.    Student Criteria

To be eligible to attend the course, nominees must fulfil the following criteria:

  • Be a nationally trained officer with more than five years of working experience (CAPT to COL).
  • In addition, nationally trained female warrant officers or lieutenants with more than five years of working experience are eligible for this course (UNHQ new student criteria since 2018). 
  • Have a working proficiency in the English language. Language testing is a national responsibility. The working language is English. No additional language training or translation will be provided.
  • Have a valid driver’s licence (manual gearbox).
  • Be physically and mentally fit.
  • Have basic computer skills.

4. Course duration and dates

19 days residential course

UNMOC 1 20 MAY - 7 JUNE 2024 

UNMOC 2 19 AUG - 6 SEP 2024 

5. How to apply

The application will be published in January 2024.

The application form for UNMOC 1 is available online at: https://www.lyyti.in/UNMOC124

The application form for UNMOC 2 is available online at: https://www.lyyti.in/UNMOC224

The application form should be filled out for UNMOC 1 by 24 March 2024 and for UNMOC 2 by 09 June 2024.

If you have questions concerning these or any other course, please contact [email protected].

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