Following the summer break at the NATO Defense College, another Senior Course – (SC 127) – has got underway. A total of 32 countries are represented in SC 127, which brings together 77 Course Members (CMs) from NATO member states, as well as from countries belonging to the Partnership for Peace (PfP), the Mediterranean Dialogue (MD) and the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative (ICI), and a number of Global Partners. Furthermore, for the first time, the NDC has the pleasure of welcoming a participant from Nigeria.
The inauguration of Senior Course 127 was held on 1st September 2015 in the Maynard-Thorn Auditorium. The new Course Members were warmly welcomed by NDC Commandant Major General Janusz Bojarski (POL F) and by the NDC Dean Dr Daria Daniels Skodnik (SVN C), as well as by the heads of the different Divisions.
After his welcome address, the Commandant introduced the guest speaker, former Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, Gen (ret.) Knud Bartels.
In his speech, Gen Bartels pointed to the current challenges on NATO’s Eastern and Southern flanks and referred, in his conclusions, to various past positions he held within NATO.
The following Q&A session provided an excellent opportunity for Course Members to engage the former NMC Chairman with thought-provoking questions on current Alliance priorities.
Over the next five months, Course members will achieve a more detailed understanding of international affairs and politico-military relations, international security-related issues affecting NATO, as well as regional and global perspectives.
The Senior Course is structured in academic lectures from visiting guest speakers and academics who give insightful and perceptive opinions on current challenges. During the discussions that follow, participants have the opportunity to learn, exchange views and improve their skills in critical analysis. Brief visits to key institutions in a number of Alliance and Partner nations are also planned, as well as to NATO HQ, the two Strategic Commands and the United Nations in New York.
NDC Public Affairs Office
(Prepared by Mr Giulio Giomi, ITA C)
Collège de Défense de l'OTAN