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European Security and Defence College

SQF-MILOF

Sectoral Qualification Framework for the Military Officer Profession

Picture split in three part from the left to the right. Left, a women in guard uniform photographed from behind. The ESDC logo in the centre. On the right multiple soliders in guard uniform. Only the arms, legs and lower torso can be seen

About the framework

The Sectoral Qualification Framework for the Military Officer Profession (SQF-MILOF) defines the knowledge, skills, autonomy, and responsibility required of military officers throughout their careers, ensuring they are prepared for complex and rapidly evolving security challenges. It provides EU Member States with practical roadmaps to implement consistent training and education standards, enhancing interoperability and fostering a shared security and defence culture.

Although education and training are national responsibilities, achieving interoperability requires transparent and coordinated development of military training systems. SQF-MILOF, developed under the ESDC with support from the EU Military Staff, offers a platform for Member States to align performance and learning expectations for military officers. Completed in 2020, it underwent rigorous validation by independent experts and national authorities.

 

What is SQF-MILOF?

Aligned with the European Qualification Framework, SQF-MILOF facilitates recognition of equivalent training across Member States, enabling exchanges and strengthening a common security culture. It includes:

  •  Competence Profile: Core competences for military officers;
  • Learning Profile: Links the SQF-MILOF with the MILOF Core Curriculum (MILOF-CORE);
  • Quality Assurance: Encourages adherence to European standards;
  • Military Qualifications Database: Ensures transparent information sharing.

The SQF-MILOF supports lifelong learning, professional development, and cross-border cooperation in military officer education.

 

Benefits and Use of the SQF-MILOF Package

The SQF-MILOF Package equips Member States with tools to:

  • Harmonise military officer competences with national occupational standards (via the Competence Profile).
  • Align national military qualifications with the SQF-MILOF, National Qualifications Frameworks, and European Qualifications Framework levels.
  • Standardise learning outcomes across Member States, aiding curriculum development and individual learning (through MILOF-CORE).
  • Compare qualifications to facilitate the exchange of military students and participants (using the Military Qualifications Database).
  • Ensure national military qualifications meet European quality standards (via Quality Assurance Principles).

 

SQF-MILEG (Executive Group)

Established in December 2021, the SQF-MILOF Executive Group (SQF-MILEG) supports Member States in implementing the framework at the national level. Meeting quarterly, it:

  • Reviews national reports on implementation.
  • Develops guidelines for SQF-MILOF use at all levels.
  • Monitors the publication of National Military Qualifications in the Military Qualifications Database.
  • Organises peer-learning activities to assist Member States.
  • Supports the development of service-specific frameworks upon request.

 

Chair and Configuration Support

  • Picture of Lucian Ispas in uniform of the Romanian Armed forces. Background flags of Europe, Romania and NATO
    Chair - Lucian Ispas

    Col Lucian Ispas, PhD, has been Vice-Rector for Academics at 'Nicolae Bălcescu' Land Forces Academy of Sibiu since 2021, managing cadet and officer education, training, and quality assurance. A Romanian officer with expertise in leadership, education, and staff planning, he served in Afghanistan during the Enduring Freedom Mission, training Afghan Army commanders and accompanying subunits in combat. Previously, he was Dean of the Faculty of Military Sciences (2012–2020) and held academic and command roles. He has aligned the Academy’s qualifications with SQF-MILOF standards, ensuring compliance at all levels.

  • Stanislava Kraynova in frotn of cyber lap. She is wearing a blue shirt and a laynyard with her name tack on it. She is smiling.
    ESDC Coordinator - Stanislava Kraynova

    Stanislava Kraynova is a Bulgarian civilian expert with many years of experience in Training, Education, Project Management, and Resilience through Civil Preparedness, seconded to ESDC by the Bulgarian Ministry of Defence since March 2023. She is handling an extensive ESDC course portfolio in the fields of Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), by implementing project plans, managing project stakeholders and the related budget. She actively contributes to the co-ordination, organisation and implementation of the Pre-deployment training for CSDP missions and operations. She is in lead of the implementation of the Sectoral Qualification Framework for the military profession, being also the coordinator of the Executive Group (SQF-MILEG).