On 1 December, the NATO Middle East Faculty 8th Academic Advisory Board was held at the NATO Defense College. The Board, consisting of subject matter specialists, academics and senior government officials, convened at the conclusion of the 16th NATO Regional Cooperation Course (NRCC-16) to discuss the curriculum and lecture content. The Board members’ expertise is always important, enabling the College to update the NRCC curriculum in line with its goal of educating course participants on strategic issues in the broader Middle East region.
After opening remarks by NDC Commandant LtGen Chris Whitecross (CAN F) and Dean BGen (ret.) František Mičánek (CZE), the Head of the MEF Col Filippo Bonsignore (ITA A) presented the agenda. Among the main points were: the rationale for the 1:2 ratio of NATO to non-NATO course participants; the possibility of introducing a more comprehensive course conclusion; the success of the Senior Course-NRCC joint sessions; and plans for an extended field study, to both NATO and non-NATO countries.
After detailed discussion, the conclusions highlighted two important decisions: to expand the NRCC public outreach and awareness programme; and to draw on Board members’ expertise so as to offer NRCC-17 a more comprehensive crisis management exercise.
NDC Public Affairs Office
(Prepared by Mr Noah McDaniel, USA C)
Collège de Défense de l'OTAN