“The Future of SERE Subject Matter Experts” – Defining the role of the SERE Instructor and Specialist
Pfullendorf, Germany – 30 NOV-05 DEC 2025
From 30 November to 5 December 2024, the Bundeswehr Special Operations Training Centre in Pfullendorf, Germany, hosted the Advanced SERE Instructor Standardization Seminar (ASSIS) “The Future of SERE Subject Matter Experts”. The event brought together some of the most experienced international SERE SMEs for an intensive series of working sessions dedicated to defining the role of the SERE instructor and the SERE Specialist.
Representatives from 10 nations took part in the seminar, underlining both the international dimension of the event and the strategic importance of the topic.
The primary aim of this ASSIS was to launch a shared way ahead for SERE capabilities among nations by synchronising goals and strategies, with a particular focus on harmonising terminology related to SERE personnel.
Throughout the forum, participants worked in a structured and collaborative manner to clearly outline the tasks, responsibilities and prerequisites associated with the SERE instructor profile. This role is widely recognised as a cornerstone for ensuring high-quality training and the standardisation of procedures across the SERE community.
The discussions examined in depth the position of the SERE instructor in various operational environments, the essential skills required, the expected level of preparation, and the criteria for selection and qualification.
In parallel, a dedicated strand of work focused on the SERE Specialist, emphasising the crucial contribution this role provides within units and organisations. The SERE specialist is essential to guaranteeing survivability both in routine activities and in the most complex and demanding missions.
By integrating this specialist role, units will be able to receive comprehensive support tailored to different operational situations and scenarios. The key challenge for the SERE Specialist is to evolve into a genuine force multiplier: through this position, commanders can enhance survivability and directly strengthen the operational effectiveness of their forces.
During the seminar, decisive progress was made in defining the roles of both the survival instructor and the survival specialist. The resulting clarity regarding tasks, responsibilities and requirements is expected to lead to more effective training and increased safety during operations.
At the conclusion of the meeting, participants agreed on a set of shared guidelines that will serve as the foundation for the adoption of common standards within the SERE community and for the development of future tailored training programmes. Building on this work, participants will finalise recommendations for NATO forums and working groups, including clear statements, training architectures, and advice on equipment and related aspects, which will be presented to the SERE School Leaders Working Group (SSLWG).
Looking ahead
On the basis of the results achieved in Pfullendorf, SSLWG members will continue their efforts to harmonise procedures and to develop dedicated training pathways for the two professional roles.
The conclusions of this forum will be further refined during upcoming meetings and may serve as a reference point for future international cooperation activities.
The European Personnel Recovery Centre (EPRC) strongly supports and sustains the activities of the SSLWG. This work enables the community to benefit from the collective expertise of finest Subject Matter Experts, strengthens our forces, and allows for the continuous adjustment of concepts, doctrinal documents and equipment within both the EPRC and the broader NATO community.
“That others may live”
