On 2nd May 2013, Senior Course 122 (SC 122) visited NATO’s Allied Command Transformation (ACT) in Norfolk, Virginia.
Course Members were warmly welcomed by Major General Dourouklis, Assistant Chief of Staff for Joint Education, Training and Exercises, who underlined, in his opening remarks, the key role of ACT as NATO’s leading agent for change.
Several short briefings followed, covering different priorities and objectives of ACT: the Connected Forces Initiative, Smart Defence, the NATO Defence Planning Process (NDPP) and the future strategic environment.
Colonel Mayette (USA M) presented the Connected Forces Initiative, as an essential part of the Chicago Summit Package, through expanded education and training, increased exercises and a better use of technology, the ultimate goal being to increase standardization and interoperability within the Alliance and with the partners.
The second briefing of the day, delivered by Lt Cdr Ricketts (USA N), focused on Smart Defence.
NATO is acting as the facilitator to develop common Allied programs through cooperation (with systematic deconfliction with the EU), prioritization and increased consultation with partners and industry. The speaker described the process for conducting Smart Defence projects and its integration into the NATO Defence Planning Process (NDPP), with a focus on the role played by Special Envoys of SACT in promoting multinational solutions for the future.
A very fruitful and frank discussion ensued, examining the on-going challenges and successes, for example complementarity with EU projects, and post-Afghanistan issues.
Wing Cdr Pugh (GBR F) presented the NDPP enhancing project, focused on its relevance and visibility, and on the streamlining of the whole defence planning process. He emphasized the role that ACT is playing in the different phases of this complex but essential process for the effectiveness of NATO.
Captain Mannarino (USA N) finished the first part of the morning by describing in a very imaginative and lively way the new strategic operating environment and the consequences for defence planners, who have to prepare future investments and define the education and training targets. ACT is working on the long-term transformation of the Alliance, based on a strategic foresight analysis, to determine the framework for future Alliance Operations. Based on some general themes (political changes, technological innovation, the human dimension, resources and economics and the environment), planners have to analyse the trends and key drivers of change and their implications for our future security environment. The briefing was followed by an extremely dynamic Q&A exchange.
The visit to ACT concluded with a panel chaired by the Deputy Allied Commander Transformation, General Bieniek (POL A), who was joined by several Flag and General Officers from the key ACT areas for a very informative discussion. SC 122 Course Members engaged this panel of senior leaders in a wide-ranging dialogue, focusing on a variety of strategic topics such as cooperation with civil society and with industry, the role of partners, the situation in Syria and the relevance of the Strategic Concept three years after its publication. This high-level exchange, although rather brief, was particularly appreciated by Course Members.
The Course then enjoyed a guided tour of the impressive Naval Air Station Norfolk, with the opportunity to see part of the Atlantic Fleet alongside the
piers before being transferred by bus to Washington for the remaining visits to US institutions.
More about the Field Study:
Collège de Défense de l'OTAN 
