From 17 to 21 November 2025, the NATO Defense College (NDC) conducted its Generals, Flag Officers and Ambassadors’ Course (GFOAC 2025-2). The aim of this high-level Course is to deepen the understanding of current politico-military issues affecting the Alliance, as well as to foster mutual understanding and promote networking among participants.
This intensive five-day course brought together 78 Generals, Flag Officers and senior civilian officials from NATO member countries and partner nations from the Partnership for Peace, the Mediterranean Dialogue, the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative and Partners Across the Globe.
Through insightful lectures and committee discussions, GFOAC 2025-2 addressed NATO’s most pressing challenges and strategic imperatives. They included its reinforced deterrence and defence posture, Russia’s war in Ukraine, the implementation of the outcomes of the Summit held in June 2025 in The Hague, and the future of the Alliance.
The course covered diverse areas of focus, ranging from European security and the impact of the war in Ukraine, to the transatlantic link and the Alliance’s increased focus on the Indo-Pacific and NATO’s policy towards China. The GFOAC also addressed the importance of the defence industry and the need for Allies to reinforce their defence investment and capacity. Furthermore, a significant discussion revolved around the changing nature of warfare and the impact of new technologies on the battlefield, underscoring the critical need for NATO to respond effectively to hybrid threats, cognitive warfare, and the importance of strategic communications. Finally, the course touched upon the societal impact of war, addressing national resilience and societies’ will to fight.
Throughout the week, participants heard from high-level speakers and subject-matter experts, with keynote addresses delivered by MGEN Devin Pepper, NATO’s Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Plans and Policy (DCOS SPP), and Mr François-Marie Gougeon, Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Defence Policy and Planning.
Overall, GFOAC 2025-2 offered participants a unique opportunity for high-level dialogue among NATO and partner nations. Conducted under the Chatham House Rule, the Course facilitated open exchanges on how NATO can adapt and evolve in the ever-changing security environment. This emphasis on collaboration and dialogue allowed participants to build strong and enduring professional networks, strengthening international cooperation within the Alliance and its partnerships.
NDC Public Affairs Office
(Prepared by Ms Irene Rodríguez Fernández, ESP C)
Collège de Défense de l'OTAN