Senior Course 135 had the rare privilege of interacting with General Jon Vance, Chief of the Defense Staff, of the Canadian Armed Forces. On the final segment of the Transatlantic link field study, course members also benefited from engagements with several senior Canadian military officials as well as the senior Pol/Mil advisor. These sessions well exceeded expectations, clearly achieving field study objectives. In short, this was an excellent way to conclude the Transatlantic link.
General Vance welcomed Senior Course 135 and gave a dynamic presentation on how Canada views the global security environment and the linkages to Canadian national security policy. He explained how peer and near peer competitors not only challenge international order but also threaten Canada in a direct manner. Course members appreciated his candid depiction of how he views the relationship between the military instrument of national power and the civil authorities that control it. Of note he outlined: The need to re-think and develop new models to prevent conflict, better understand conflict termination, mitigate conflict in a complex world and as managers of violence—reduce harm. He remained after his remarks to allow course members to ask multiple questions that further enhanced learning.
MGen Trevor Cadieu, Director of Staff, Strategic Joint Staff followed and provided a rich depiction of current Canadian Armed Forces priorities at the strategic level. Specifically, he outlined initiatives to optimize Canadian force structure to match operational priorities.
Throughout the day, Senior Course 135 benefited from senior Pol/Mil Advisor, Mr. Philippe Lafortune provided the political perspective behind discussions. His valuable insights helped course members connect how Canadian civil-military affairs come together.
Rear Admiral B.W.N. Santarpia, Chief of Staff, Canadian Joint Operations Command provided the final brief. He explained the structure and organization/structure of the Canadian Joint Command and their efforts to optimize in order to best fulfill operational requirements. He reviewed current operations (both domestic and contingency) in each region that Canada supports. Course members got an appreciation for what Canada contributes to global security—from Canadian training and advising missions associated to NATO to peacekeeping operation supporting U.N. priorities.
Course members completed this extraordinary day by consolidating learning objectives across the field study. Overwhelmingly, consensus was quickly reached that this field study rigorously met NATO Defense College Senior Course objectives.
NDC Public Affairs Office
Collège de Défense de l'OTAN