Day 1 of Virtual Field Study 2 took the members of Senior Course 138 to Albania where they met with senior representatives from the Albanian Armed Forces who provided an excellent overview on Albania’s Armed Forces, defense policy and NATO-Albania relations.
The session commenced with remarks by the NDC’s Dean, Dr. Stephen J. Mariano, who welcomed Course Members and lecturers in this second Field Study of SC 138. COL Ardian Lilo, Director of J5/8 in the Armed Forces General Staff, delivered the first presentation of the day on ‘Planning and Development of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Albania,’ followed by a Q&A session. LTC Dritan Merdani, Director of the Military Unit of Cyber Security within the General Staff then briefed Course Members on Albania’s capacities for cyber security and protection against misinformation, with a particular focus on Albania’s response, consistent with NATO recommendations. The last presentation of the day was provided by COL Bilbil Bitri, Director of General Staff, who highlighted how Albania perceives the relationship between the United States on stability in the Western Balkans. Day 1 of Field Study 2 closed with remarks by the appointed Course Member who recapitulated the topics and extended warm thanks to the Albanian guest lecturers.
NDC Public Affairs Office
(Prepared by Mr Jose Moron Marchena, ESP C)
Collège de Défense de l'OTAN