On Tuesday 23 February 2016, the NATO Defense College hosted the inauguration of Senior Course 128 in the Maynard-Thorn Hall.
SC 128 brings together 74 high-ranking military and civilian participants, representing 31 countries: 62 Course Members are from NATO member states, as well as Course Members from Partner countries (from the Partnership for Peace (PfP), Mediterranean Dialogue (MD), Istanbul Cooperation Initiative (ICI) and Partners Across the Globe).
Lasting five months, the twice-yearly Senior Course takes pride of place among the College’s activities. It comprises six Study Periods and three Field Studies. Course Members are exposed to a variety of contemporary perspectives on international affairs, examining the importance of sociocultural factors and placing security questions within a far broader context related to such issues as climate change and demographic trends.
The guest of honour for the inauguration was JFC Naples Commander Admiral Mark Ferguson III (USA N), who is also Commander of U.S. Naval Forces Europe and U.S. Naval Forces Africa. He was warmly welcomed by NDC Commandant MGen Janusz Bojarski (POL F) and the Dean, Dr Daria Daniels Skodnik (SVN C).
The Commandant, in his opening remarks, explained the fundamental contribution made by the Senior Course to strategic-level education. Aimed at promoting dialogue, interaction and cooperation, the Course is founded on the three pillars which form the basis of the NDC’s activity: education, research and outreach.
Admiral Ferguson, in his address entitled “NATO’s Current and Future Security Environment – Joint Forces Command Naples Perspectives”, offered an extensive and authoritative analysis of the current and foreseeable security environment, focusing on ongoing operations and the wide-ranging scenarios which Course Members will be studying in considerable detail during the coming months.
The NATO Defense College joins Admiral Ferguson in wishing all Course Members a profitable and pleasant stay.
NDC Public Affairs Office
(Prepared by Mr Mirko Lo Storto, ITA C)
Collège de Défense de l'OTAN