The NDC Senior Course 115 continued its Winter Field Study with a visit to Berlin and the German Armed Forces. The NATO Defense College Commandant, LtGen. Wolf-Dieter LOESER, and Course Members gained a deep insight into German Security and Defence Policy and Transformation. They were briefed by Brigadier General WIERMANN, Deputy Assistant Chief of Armed Forces Staff for Politico Military Affairs and Arms Control, who began his presentation from a historical point of view focused on the end of the Cold War to describe the process of integration between the East and West Germany militaries that led to programs to reduce the number of military personnel and improve the quality of education and training. He also highlighted the German policy of only committing the armed forces overseas with a mandate from the UN, NATO, or the EU. The next was delivered by Brigadier General WARNECKE, Deputy Director Joint Operations Staff, who gave an overview on the engagement of the German Armed Forces in the most important Operations within the framework of the UN, NATO and EU. The Q&A period gave both of the briefers the chance to cover other interesting aspects based on the CM’s questions, such as the downsizing of the German Armed Forces, the percentage of GDP spent for Defence, Rules of Engagement in operations, the comprehensive approach to international operations, and energy security.
Later that afternoon, Dr, Hans Ulrich KLOSE, Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Bundestag, welcomed SC 115 to the German Parliament and gave a clear picture of the political strategy for Afghanistan. He described his view of the most likely future scenarios and pointed out how the approach in Afghanistan is directly linked to so many other issues involving Middle-East and Far-East countries. Mr. KLOSE also stated that the solution to such a complex problem can only be solved by a common approach by the EU, NATO and other international organizations.
The following day was dedicated to visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs where Dr. Ulrich SANTE, Chief of Common Security and Defence Policy Branch, delivered a presentation on ten years of European Security Defence Policy (ESDP). In particular he mentioned military and security operations led by the EU under the Berlin Plus legal framework, including FYROM to Kosovo, Georgia to Horn of Africa, and from Bosnia to Afghanistan. A special mention was given to the European Defence Agency activities aimed at providing the needed means to meet the future challenges from a military perspective, and also harmonizing EU and NATO operational capabilities.
The last stage of Berlin tour was in the City Hall where Mrs Monika HELBIG, State Secretary of the Federal State of Berlin, described the challenges of merging East and West Berlin to create a modern and dynamic city while providing superior social services. She invited the NDC back to Berlin and looked forward to hosting the NDC again in a few months.
The flight to Madrid took off from Tegel military airport where Brigadier General MUNZINGER, Advisor to CHOD for Educational and Training, had the final remarks on the field study in Germany. Senior Course 115 is grateful for the wonderful hospitality and program in Berlin, and is ready to get a first hand look at another key Alliance partner in Spain.
More about SC115 Winter Field Study:
Collège de Défense de l'OTAN