TLP Tactical
Leadership Programme
A visit to the TLP 2004/04.
The Allied Command Operations Tactical
Leadership Programme (ACO TLP) is an organisation formed under a
Memorandum of Understanding between 8 NATO nations. The objective
of the TLP is to increase the effectiveness of allied tactical air
forces through the development of leadership skills, tactical flying
capabilities, mission planning and tasking capabilities, and conceptual
and doctrinal initiatives.
TLP is based at Florennes Air Force Base
in Belgium and consist of three operational branches - Academic Branch,
Concepts and Doctrine Branch and Flying Branch.
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- The most interesting Branch for
spotters, is the Flying Branch. Every year, this Branch organises six flying courses, each lasting four weeks. They are designed to improve the tactical leadership skills and flying capability of section leaders. The courses also permit to improve inter-operability of NATO air forces for future joint operations. Finally, new concepts and doctrines are tested during TLP flying missions.
During the last two weeks of the course additional aircraft are added to the course, missions will grow in
complexity and consist of an increasing number of participating aircraft.
Once a year (usually in November/December), the flying course is organised out of
region. It gives the participants the experience of operating over unfamiliar terrain, in different weather conditions and with different operating procedures. The organised out of region course has been held in Spain, Italy and southern France in previous years.
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