Today, 4 February 2011, the 117th Graduation Ceremony celebrated the academic achievements of Senior Course 117 at the NATO Defense College in Rome.
It was an important occasion, marking the end of six months of intensive study for the 78 Course Members, coming from 30 NATO, PfP, Mediterranean Dialogue, ICI, Contact Countries and Iraq.
The ceremony was attended by the Ambassadors to Italy of Azerbaijan, Hungary, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland and Türkiye. The Armed Forces of Italy, as the College’s host nation, were represented at the ceremony by Lt.Gen. Mario MARIOLI for the Army, V.Adm. Luigi BINELLI MANTELLI for the Navy, Lt.Gen. Mario MARTINELLI for the Air Force and Maj.Gen. Rosario AIOSA for the Carabinieri. Other distinguished guests attending the ceremony included the former NATO Deputy Secretary General, H.E. Amedeo DE FRANCHIS, and several Military Attachés.
The ceremony was opened by the NDC Commandant, Lt.Gen. Wolf-Dieter LOESER, who briefly presented highlights of Course Members’ five months of experience in Rome.
Lt.Gen. LOESER shared some thoughts about education with the audience, explaining how the new Strategic Concept provides guidance for future curricula, not only here at the NATO Defense College but in all national academies and colleges.
In the 21st Century, the Alliance is affected by political and security developments beyond its borders, which include new issues like cyber war, the threat of terrorism and failed states, counterinsurgency and energy security. From the lessons learned during NATO operations, in particular in Afghanistan and the Western Balkans, it is clear that a comprehensive political, civilian and military approach is necessary for effective crisis management. The NATO Defense College incorporates these concepts in its mission and therefore contributes greatly to this goal.
The Commandant then gave the floor to Admiral Giampaolo DI PAOLA, Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, who highlighted NATO’s new commitments. He outlined the decisions made at the Lisbon Summit last November, which represent the four key priorities for NATO in 2011: paving the way for a sustainable transition in Afghanistan; moving ahead with NATO reform; New Capabilities in respect to missile defense and cyber protection; and a more active engagement with Alliance partners, with relevant countries and with other international organisations.
After watching a short video with selected highlights of their time at the NATO Defense College, the new graduates of Senior Course 117 received their diplomas from Admiral DI PAOLA and, standing before their respective national flags, were individually congratulated by the Commandant, the Dean and the other General Officers of the College.
To conclude the event, the audience joined in singing the Italian song “Volare”, which had been informally adopted during field study trips as the “Course Anthem” and in future will certainly remind Course Members of their time together in Italy.
NDC Public Affairs Office
(Prepared by Ms Valerie Kasseckert, DEU C)
NATO Defense College 
