On 14 June 2021, as part of Field Study 3, Senior Course 138 began a 3-day programme consisting of a Briefing Study Day in advance of the 2-day Staff Ride to Montecassino and Anzio.
This programme was adapted for NDC purposes. The aim of the NDC Staff Ride was to enhance SC138’s understanding of multinational operations. Course Members had the opportunity to become immersed in the strategic context of global war, drawing on the lessons of the WW2 Italian Campaign, with a specific focus on the Montecassino and Anzio operations. They explored the challenges faced in the application of technology and human resources in conflict conditions, all of which supported Senior Course objectives and the NDC mission.
The Briefing Study Day kicked off with welcome remarks to the Staff Ride by the NDC Commandant’s, LGEN Olivier Rittimann. Briefings began with the lecture of H.E. Ambassador Anna Maria Anders, the current Ambassador of Poland to Italy, who discussed Montecassino’s significance in Polish history and identity. She spoke of her father, GEN Wladyslaw Anders, and his role as a national leader and Commander of the two Polish Corps, which he led in the campaign to liberate Italy and the historic Battle of Montecassino.
The day continued with various briefs from Subject Matter Experts, Course Members and College faculty. The NDC Dean, Dr Stephen J. Mariano, spoke of the Eisenhower effect in his presentation on “Ike’s influence over strategy, concepts, commanders and alliances”. MGEN (Ret.) Sir Sebastian Roberts’ provided details of the Grand Strategic Overview 1943/44. Dr Magnus Pahl, from the Bundeswehr Museum of Military History, focused on the Italian Campaign from a German perspective.
Course Members then received the first part of a broad overview of the Strategic Plans and Operational Situation, jointly delivered by MGEN (Ret.) Andrew Cumming, CBE; BRIG (Ret.) James Stopford, CBE; and COL (Ret.) Anthony Biggs, OBE. LCL (Ret.) Christophe Gué then spoke about the French Expeditionary Corps, all of which was capped by the final component of the Strategic Plans and Operational Situation.
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