The second stop on the European leg of Senior Course 114’s Transatlantic Spring Field Study began in Paris, following a successful visit to the Belgium Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Defence, SHAPE and NATO HQs.
On 11 May Senior Course 114 visited the École Militaire, where French Military Joint Staff senior officers briefed the French perspective on a variety of international security issues. The Chief of the EU/NATO/UN Division, French Joint Defence Headquarters, Brigadier General CREUX, delivered the welcome address and examined the past, present and future of NATO-France relations. He emphasized the fact that France has been a fully committed NATO Ally for the last 60 years, the EU-NATO approach, the impact of the Strasbourg-Kehl Summit, and the ongoing challenges of the dynamic security environment.
Next, MGen Jacques CAZAMÉA, Chief of the Strategic Operations and Planning Centre, briefed the government’s decision making process, ongoing French military operations and major commitments. Finally, Monsieur Pierre LEVY, Director of the Policy Planning Staff, briefed French Foreign Policy. He elaborated on the day’s topics from his ministry’s point of view. All of the presentations were followed by question and answer sessions that were both thought-provoking and engaging.
The working day concluded with an outstanding lunch hosted by the French MoD in the very beautiful setting of the École Militaire dining hall, where course members were joined by their spouses for the event. That evening, course members and spouses had the rare honour of being hosted by General Jean-Louis GEORGELIN, Chief of Defence, in the historic Hotel des Invalides, which was founded by Louis XIV in 1670 as a hospital and retirement home for war veterans. Les Invalides is also a burial site for many of France’s distinguished military figures, the most notable being Napoleon Bonaparte, who was reinterred in the crypt under the magnificent dome.
In his opening remarks, General GEORGELIN commented on the French decision to participate fully in NATO structures and commitment to further contribute to a stronger Alliance. He also highlighted the outcomes of the Summit in Strasbourg and Kehl and the important role played by the NDC in preparing future leaders to better understand and contribute to solving Alliance security challenges. After a wonderful evening, SC 114 bid farewell to their gracious host.
On 12 May SC 114 travelled to Lisbon, Portugal for the final leg of the Spring Field Study. The following morning, on their arrival at Portugal’s National Defence Institute (IDN), course members received a warm welcome from MGen Martins BRANCO, Deputy Director IDN, which set the stage for an informative day.
The official programme continued with a comprehensive set of briefings on Portugal’s Foreign Policy, Finance Policy, Defence Policy, and Portuguese Defence Industries. During the challenging question and answer session following the briefings, course members gained additional understanding of Portugal’s security interests and defence, political and economical development policies, as well as its strategic vision. They departed assured in the knowledge of Portugal’s continued commitment to NATO and partnership with the EU for the common aim of maintaining a secure and stable environment.
That evening, Dr João Mira GOMES, Secretary of State of National Defence and Maritime Affairs, kindly hosted an outstanding reception in the historically impressive Forte de São Julião da Barra. Built after 1580 at the mouth of the river Tagus, it is the official residence of the Defence Minister. This marvellous evening on the picturesque Portuguese coast underscored the gracious hospitality of the Portuguese during a successful and memorable visit and the conclusion of SC 114 Spring Field Study.
Prepared by Colonel HOCKADAY (USA AF)
Collège de Défense de l'OTAN