On 16 April 2023, Senior Course 142 travelled from Rome to Washington, D.C. as the first stop on their Field Study Two programme in the United States of America, focused on providing Course Members with first-hand knowledge of security and defence policies from a transatlantic perspective.
On 17 April, Lieutenant General Walter Piatt, Director of the Army Staff, welcomed Course Members to the Pentagon and underscored the benefits of attending the Senior Course at the NDC as a unique opportunity to form personal relationships that strengthen the Alliance, recalling that “nations do not have relationships, people do”.
Major General Brett Sylvia, Vice-Director of Joint Staff J5, then delivered a briefing on the work conducted by his division and how they serve the decision-making process on security concerns. Afterwards, an OSD, DOS and JS Panel was held with Mr Spencer Boyer, Ms Kami Witmer and Mr Patrick Johnson, who spoke about US defence policy and strategy and their alignment with NATO. They remarked on how the Alliance became stronger and more unified after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and on the importance of keeping up support to Ukraine. They also addressed the pacing challenge of China and underlined the significance of ensuring the readiness and adaptability of the Alliance.
To conclude, Colonel Brian North, Director of the Army Initiatives Group, briefed Course Members on the Army of 2030 strategy. He explained how the Army is executing the largest transformation in over 40 years to meet anticipated threats. All the briefings were followed by a Q&A session and closing remarks by a Course Member.
In the afternoon, the NDC Commandant, Lieutenant General Rittimann, and the Senior Course President were given the rare opportunity to participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier within the Arlington National Cemetery.
The day ended with a reception hosted at the National Museum of the US Army, where the NDC delegation was welcomed by Lieutenant General Walter Piatt and had the privilege to listen to the US Army Strings ensemble. Lieutenant General Rittimann expressed his appreciation for the support received from the US Army team during the visit.
On the following day, Course Members visited Capitol Hill. Congressman Gerald Connolly, who served as President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly from 2020 to 2022, shared his views on the strength the Alliance holds in light of current events related to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. He observed that Vladimir Putin had misjudged the Alliance’s unity and Ukraine’s military power and resilience. Major General Trevor Bredenkamp, Army Chief of Legislative Liaison, then explained his division’s tasks and responsibilities in coordinating the Army’s messages with the Congress. Both briefings were followed by a Q&A session and closing remarks by a Course Member. To conclude the day, Course Members attended a guided tour of Capitol Hill where they learned about the fascinating history of this key US landmark.
NDC Public Affairs Office
(Prepared by Ms Sofia Carvalheiro, PRT C)
NATO Defense College