Senior Course made its last stop of the Regional Approaches Field Study on 23rd June to the Finnish National Defense University.
Maj Gen Vesa Tynkkynen, Commandant of the Finnish National Defense University, welcomed the Course and opened the session with a short presentation about the University.
Defense Counsellor Helena Partanen, Director of the Defense Policy Department at the Ministry of Defence then gave a detailed overview of Finnish defence policy and the factors that have influenced its development.
Adiviser Karolina Honkanen from the Defence Security Policy Department of the Ministry of Defense briefed the Course on Finland’s relationship with NATO. She gave a very clear explanation of the status of the current cooperation with NATO and of the possible future development of this already deep and pragmatic relationship.
Commodore Kari Takanen, Chief of Plans & Policy, then explained how the military were structured and organised to meet the tasks laid upon it and provided an overview of the commitments of the National Armed Forces in the operational theatres.
The Course engaged in lengthy and very lively discussions after each of the presentations, during which many challenging questions were posed; all of which were handled very frankly and thoughtfully.
The day’s activities concluded with a visit to the Military Museum of Finland, generously hosted by Maj Gen Tynkkynen and attended by many anciens of The College and serving officers. This was a fascinating venue, and an excellent opportunity to better understand Finland’s history and the struggles that it has had to overcome.
The visit to Finland brought to an end the 3rd Field Study. Senior Course 118 return to Rome to continue the Academic Programme.
More about the Field Study:
First – Italian Day
Second part – Poland
Third Stop – Moscow
Fourth leg of the trip – Latvia
Fifth step – Stockholm
NATO Defense College