From 9 to 12 October 2023, a delegation from the Iraqi National Defence College (INDC), in coordination with NATO HQ’s DEEP (Defence Education Enhancement Programme), visited the NATO Defense College (NDC) to conduct the second iteration of an academic orientation and curriculum design activity.
During the 4-day visit, the delegation had the opportunity to learn more about the NDC’s organization, were given a comprehensive overview of curriculum design for NATO Regional Cooperation Course 30 and Senior Course 143, and were introduced to the NDC’s main activities.
The visit was requested by NATO DEEP to show the Iraqi visitors how the NDC – the leading strategic-level educational institution of the Alliance – plans, prepares and conducts education and training. The visit also contributed to the overall training and capacity building of NATO Mission Iraq (NMI). As the INDC and the NDC share similar objectives and a similar annual course timetable, the aim of this activity was to provide support with the INDC’s curriculum development through monitoring and engaging in a curriculum design process under the guidance of the NDC Faculty, and giving the delegation an introduction to the NDC’s mission and activities.
By exposing senior military officers and civilian officials to a wide range of strategic issues through the national, international, and interagency lens, the National Defence College of Iraq – the country’s leading institution for the delivery of strategic-level courses – seeks to improve their strategic understanding of defence and security.
The visiting delegation from the Iraqi National Defence College was composed of the Head of the Scientific Board, Major General Jumaah Hussein Allawi Al-Kaeebe, and of Senior Instructor Major General Ahmed. NATO Mission Iraq (NMI) DEEP Coordinator Mr Thomas Van Rooy coordinated the visit and was also present, along with NATO HQ Interpreter Ms Kemmerling.
Providing the visitors with a close look into the NDC’s core tasks and its past and present activities, the delegation was given a comprehensive briefing by the NDC Head of the Academic Policy & Engagement Branch, Colonel Eric De Landmeter, on the first day of the visit. The two Colleges were able to discuss their academic standpoints during a joint Office Call with NDC Commandant Lieutenant General Max A.L.T. Nielsen and NDC Dean Dr Christopher Schnaubelt.
Visitors were then able to join the NATO Regional Cooperation Course 30 (NRCC 30) workshop on “Terrorism and Radicalization”, and to attend NRCC Committee work sessions. They also participated in work orientation sessions delivered by different branches of the NDC – the Academic Support Branch, the Research Division, and the Curriculum Planning Branch. The delegation concluded the visit by attending a panel lecture on “Technology as a Driver of Change in the Global Context”.
Prior to leaving the NDC, Major General Jumaah Hussein Allawi Al-Kaeebe shared some reflections on these four days at the College. He thanked NATO for making this visit possible, noting that the Iraqi Armed Forces work closely with NATO Mission Iraq (NMI), and said: “Along with NMI we have established a very ambitious programme to develop our College.” He then went on to add: “The visit was aimed at developing curricula and capabilities of the INDC; the NATO Defense College played a fundamental role in doing so.” Major General Al-Kaeebe also highlighted how the spirit of open discussion at the NATO Defense College, with the support of international experts, enhances intercultural communication among Course Members during Committee work: “this is something we should encourage to be implemented during our lectures”, he stated.
NDC Public Affairs Office
(Prepared by Mr David Lucio Rossi, ITA C)
NATO Defense College