On Wednesday 29 September, NRCC 26 began the second leg of its Field Study in Lisbon. The NRCC 26 delegation, led by NDC Dean, Dr Stephen J. Mariano (USA C) was welcomed by the Director of the Portuguese National Defense Institute, Dr. Helena Carreiras, at the Air Force Mess in Monsanto.
On Day 2, NRCC 26 Course Members were received at the National Defence Institute and introduced to the main principles and priorities of the Portuguese Foreign Policy by H.E. Ambassador Madalena Fischer (General Director for Foreign Policy, PRT MoFA), who highlighted the importance of Portugal’s contribution to the Alliance’s security. Building on this opening presentation, Colonel Ana Baltazar (Defence Policy Deputy Director, PRT MoD) then presented the various planks of Portuguese National Defence Policy, with a special emphasis on Portuguese commitments to the stabilization of NATO’s South (Mediterranean Basin, Africa). Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Luís Bernardino (Postgraduate Studies Department, Military University Institute) concluded the morning session with a presentation on the Portuguese Armed Forces’ contributions to NATO’s efforts to strengthen stability in the South.
The afternoon session was dedicated to NATO’s organizations operating in and hosted by Portugal. The NRCC 26 was welcomed at the new premises of the NCIA Academy on the Reduto Gomes Freire Portuguese Base, where STRIKFORNATO is co-located. NRCC 26 participants were introduced to STRIKFORNATO’s missions and structures by Colonel Andy Lock, GBR RM (ACOS J3, SFN). Then, Colonel Juan Molina, ESP A (Lessons Learned Management Division Head, JALLC) presented the JALLC specific role in the NATO Lessons Learned Process. Finally, Colonel António Rosa, PRT A (Dean, NCI Academy) exposed the various educational and training opportunities offered by NATO C&I Academy, highlighting its unique contribution to NATO’s preparedness and adaptation processes.
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