On 7 NOV 11, Senior Course 119 completed the North American leg of its Transatlantic Field Study at the Headquarters of Allied Command Transformation (ACT), in Norfolk, Virginia. The NDC group was greeted by the Deputy, Supreme Allied Commander Transformation, General Mieczyslaw BIENIEK (Polish Army).
The programme began with a briefing by Captain Michael SMACK (US Navy), who provided a comprehensive command overview of ACT’s roles and functions. Captain SMACK shared ACT perspectives on its transformational and out reach initiatives, and its support to NATO operations.
Numerous ACT senior leaders elaborated on ACT’s missions, providing valuable insights into many of the relevant issues confronting ACT. After brief introductory remarks, each of the officials enabled brief discussion sessions with course members in the following areas:
- Brigadier General Giovanni FUNGO (ITA A) informed Course Members on ACT’s role in Smart Defense, and the prioritization of capabilities and projects.
- Brigadier General Peter BARTRAM (DNK A) detailed the developments in the NATO Defense Planning Process.
- Colonel James MILLER (USA F) spoke about the lessons learned process, highlighting observations from the recent Operation Unified Protector, in Libya.
- Major General Ugur TARCIN (TUR A) amplified previous discussions with his perspectives on resource challenges and ACT support to resource reform.
- Colonel Christian SOULES (FRA N) provided an overview of ACT’s analysis of its Global Commons project.
- Brigadier General Luis RUIVO (PRT F) shared his perspectives on the Comprehensive Approach.
- Major General Jon LILLAND (NOR A) contributed throughout the discussions with his perspectives on ACT’s planning of programmes and capabilities.
- The ACT Joint Force Trainer, Lieutenant General Karlheinz VIERECK (DEU F), provided an overview of evolving training systems and priorities across the Alliance.
Concluding the visit, General BIENIEK joined the aforementioned flag officers for an informative panel discussion. The Course Members of SC 119 engaged these senior leaders in a wide-ranging dialogue, exploring issues related to NATO Transformation, lessons learned from Libya, future NATO capabilities, the upcoming Chicago summit, and more.
After the final panel discussions, the Commandant of the NATO Defense College, Lieutenant General Arne Bård DALHAUG, thanked General BIENIEK and all the participants for sharing time from their busy schedules with the NATO Defense College.
Following the productive visit to ACT, SC119 Course Members enjoyed their final evening in the US, touring Virginia Beach and preparing for the flight back to Europe. The SC 119 Transatlantic Field Study culminates in Brussels, with visits to NATO Headquarters, the European Union, and the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe.
More about the Field Study:
Collège de Défense de l'OTAN 
