The DEAN
ABOUT US
The NATO Defense College is the Alliance's premier academic institution. We concentrate on the high-level political-military issues that confront both civilian and military leadership at Alliance and at national level. We strive to promote debate, to seek consensus, and to master the skills needed to succeed in a multinational environment.
The idea of a NATO Defense College (NDC) originated in 1951 with General Eisenhower, who identified the need for a new international institution with a unique education mission.
Over its 60-year history, thousands of senior officers, diplomats and officials have passed through the College in their quest to prepare themselves for the security challenges of their day, just as General Eisenhower intended in his vision of 1951.
It is our aspiration to be regarded as the first choice for nations in the educational development of their senior officers and officials destined for NATO and NATO-related appointments. Our mission is based on three pillars: Education - Research - Outreach
EDUCATION
Senior Course
A 23-week, strategic-level course for senior officers and civilians from the Alliance and Euro-Atlantic region aimed at developing participants critical thinking skills at the strategic level, and developing their knowledge and understanding of current and prospective political-military issues facing the Alliance. The course is run twice a year.
NATO Regional Cooperation Course
The NRCC is a ten-week strategic level course which links issues of direct concern to the broader Middle East region with the wider international community. It focuses on security issues that affect both the region and NATO at the strategic political-military level. Course members conduct a critical analysis of these issues from the perspectives of the Mediterranean Dialogue (MD), Istanbul Cooperation Initiative (ICI) and NATO.
General /Flag Officers' & Ambassadors' Course
This short, high-level course seeks to enhance mutual understanding of security concerns and of the Alliance's interests and capabilities among General and Flag Officers and civilians from NATO, Partnership for Peace (PFP) and MD countries.
Integrated Partners' Orientation Course and Modular Short Courses
These courses are run in parallel with the Senior Course and provide the opportunity for participants from NATO, PFP, MD, ICI, Contact Countries, IOs and NGOs to attend specific elements of the Senior Course.
RESEARCH
The NDC Research Division (RD) serves as a key forum for discussion and analysis of NATO security policy, outreach and education. A core operating principle of the RD is the development of objective, policy-relevant and user-friendly publications of the highest academic quality in support of NATO's military and civilian authorities. In addition, the Division actively supports the educational pillar by mentoring the Senior Course Study Projects and leading the "Elective" component of the curriculum. RD also welcomes competitively selected research fellows from PFP, ICI and MD countries.
OUTREACH
The NDC performs its outreach activities through the RD seminars and workshops, and also by leading the annual Conference of Commandants of Defense Institutions. In addition, NDC develops the cooperation programme with the Ukrainian National Defense Academy during the annual Kyiv Week.
The College's Advanced Distributed Learning on-line courses are an effective way to provide students all over the world with education available anytime, anywhere, using the new internet technologies.
