On 31 August 2026, the NATO Defense College (NDC) inaugurated its 149th Senior Course (SC 149) and 36th NATO Regional Cooperation Course (NRCC 36). The Inauguration Ceremony marked the beginning of a new academic chapter for the College and provided an opportunity for Course Members to engage with Admiral George M. Wikoff (USA), Commander, Joint Force Command Naples (JFC Naples), who delivered the Inauguration Address.
The Senior Course and NATO Regional Cooperation Course are the NDC’s two flagship courses, designed to prepare senior military and civilian officials to address the critical challenges facing NATO and its member states. Through lectures, discussions in committees and hands-on simulation exercises, Course Members broaden their understanding of the Alliance’s strategic environment while developing the skills needed to strengthen Alliance cohesion and navigate an increasingly complex security landscape.
The College’s multinational and multicultural environment provides Course Members with a unique opportunity to develop consensus-building skills and learn from the diverse perspectives of all participants. Both courses encourage participants to think critically and strategically, while strengthening the interpersonal skills necessary for effective cooperation in a multinational setting.
Through an adaptive and agile curriculum places, simulation exercises such as the Negotiation, Mediation and Decision-Making Exercise (NMDX), as well as Field Studies to locations of strategic relevance to the Alliance across NATO member and partner nations, these courses enable participants to apply strategic concepts to real-world challenges.
Delivering his first welcome address to the new cohorts as Commandant of the NATO Defense College, Lieutenant General Jérôme Goisque underscored the importance of the courses for the Alliance and its future leaders. He encouraged participants to make the most of their time at the NDC by cultivating lasting friendships and professional networks, which he described as essential to the strength and resilience of the Alliance: “The bonds you forge here are not merely personal friendships; they are the future architecture of our collective security.”
Admiral Wikoff, Guest of Honour of the ceremony, then addressed SC 149 and NRCC 36. Drawing parallels between his priorities as Commander of JFC Naples and the NDC’s curriculum, he underscored the importance of adapting to and addressing current and emerging challenges across all domains of warfare. Notably, he highlighted the need to deepen understanding of the Alliance’s deterrence and defence posture through strategic-level military education.
Echoing the Commandant’s remarks, Admiral Wikoff also emphasized the vital role of education in fostering Alliance cohesion. By bringing together future leaders from across NATO and its partner countries, the NDC contributes to building the shared understanding and trust that underpin the Alliance.
Admiral Wikoff’s visit to the NDC also provided an opportunity to engage with NDC Commandant Lieutenant General Jérôme Goisque and Dean Dr Suzanne Nielsen during an Office Call prior to his address to the newly arrived Course Members.
NDC Public Affairs Office
(Prepared by Ms Chloé Ketels, FRA C)
Collège de Défense de l'OTAN