Seminar: Safety and Suitability for Service (S3) Seminar
NATO HQ, Brussels, Belgium
27-05-2026
to
28-05-2026
The aim of the MSIAC S3 Seminar is to introduce audiences to the NATO S3 assessment process. The seminar consists of 12 lectures intended to provide an understanding of the "model" S3 assessment process as described in NATO standard AOP-15. The key points of each activity within the S3 assessment process are discussed and illustrated with real-world examples.
A particular focus is placed on those aspects which are subject to national variation due to differences in national legislation or defence capability; the seminar concludes with a discussion on the effect of these differences on NATO interoperability and international procurement strategies.
Course content is based on AOP-15 Edition D and has been developed with full consideration given to current standardization activities within NATO committee AC/326.
Agenda
The S3 Seminar’s 12 lectures are delivered over a duration of 1.5 days. Additional time may be required depending on interactions and discussions with the participants. Therefore, in the event of any major deviation from the schedule to enable these interactions and discussions, the final lectures will be delivered in the afternoon of Day 2. Participants are therefore encouraged to arrange travel later in the day.
| Day 1 | |
| Time | Item |
| 08:30 | 00: Introductions; Aims; Overview; Agenda |
| 08:45 | 01: Introduction to S3 |
| 09:15 | 02: NATO Munition Safety Standards – Hierarchy & Relationship |
| 10:00 | Coffee Break |
| 10:20 | 03: Establish S3 Assessment Context; Lifecycle Events & LCEP |
| 11:30 | 04: Identification, Assessment & Control of Hazards |
| 12:00 | Lunch |
| 13:00 | 04: Identification, Assessment & Control of Hazards (Part II) |
| 13:30 | 05: S3 Assessment Testing |
| 14:30 | Coffee Break |
| 14:50 | 06: Munition Safety Testing |
| 16:00 | 07: Introduction to Energetic Material Qualification |
| 16:50 | Discussion |
| 17:00 | End of Day 1 |
| Day 2 | |
| Time | Item |
| 08:30 | Admin; Recap of Day 1 |
| 08:45 | 08: Assessing the Condition of the Munition Population |
| 09:30 | 09: Assessment & Reduction of Risks |
| 10:00 | Coffee Break |
| 10:20 | 10: Changes in Context & Reassessment of S3 |
| 10:50 | 11: Influence of National Context |
| 11:20 | 12: International Harmonization of S3 Assessment |
| 11:50 | Final Thoughts / Discussion |
| 12:00 | End of Day 2 |
Location and Practical Information
The attendance at this S3 Seminar is open for any member, from government or industry, of all MSIAC member nations. Participation by members of industry will be authorized on a case-by-case basis with approval from national MSIAC Steering Committee Representative / National Focal Point Officer.
The seminar will be held on 27-28 May 2026 at the NATO HQ in Brussels, Belgium in the Washington Treaty Room in the Public Square. Attire is business casual.
Travel, accommodation, and meals will be the participant’s responsibility. Coffee and lunch will not be provided but can be purchased by the participants in the shops of the Public Square.
Note: All positions for industry representatives for this seminar have been filled. Therefore, we are no longer accepting registrations from members of industry.
Access
Participants from government shall coordinate with their national delegation for access to NATO HQ.
MSIAC will coordinate the access for participants from industry.
Target Audience
The S3 Seminar is primarily targeted at staff involved in S3 assessment, procurement or through-life management of munitions; relevant also to regulatory functions responsible for munition S3. It is suitable for new starters, or as a refresher course for existing personnel.
