Commandant’s 2013 end-of-semester address

As we end Senior Course 122 (SC 122) and get ready to wind down the College for August, we look back at the past seven months’ activities and events.

Members of SC 122 enjoyed many lectures given by distinguished guest speakers, covering a comprehensive range of interests for the Alliance and its Partner Countries. They also had the opportunity of travelling in Europe, to the US and, most recently, to Russia and Eastern Europe during the three field studies. They concluded the Course by writing in-depth research papers and giving a presentation of their work.

Not only is the NATO Defense College saying goodbye to the Course Members of SC 122 but we are also saying goodbye to many of the staff who have made the NDC so successful over the years. We have bid our farewells to five of our Faculty Advisors who have been appointed to other high-level Alliance positions. The College will miss them but we wish them all the best in their future endeavours.

Although many things are coming to a close this July, next autumn promises to be a great opportunity for change and growth within the NDC. Over the August recess, our Academic Planning and Policy Division will be developing a new curriculum for future Senior Courses to follow. The staff will also be preparing to usher in the new Course Members of SC 123.

All in all, we can confidently say that we have made a successful start to 2013 and I personally want to dedicate a special thanks to all the staff, for their support and dedication throughout the year.

I am confident that we will continue to work profitably over the months ahead.

I wish all NDC staff and their families, restful days and a safe return home.

Lieutenant General Arne Bård DALHAUG, Royal Norwegian Army, NDC Commandant