After the intensive start to Field Study (FS) I in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, Senior Course (SC) 122 concluded its programme of visits to Istanbul Cooperation Initiative (ICI) member states and travelled to Paris. The group was accompanied by the Dean of the NATO Defense College (NDC), Dr Richard D. Hooker Jr. (USA C).
In Paris, the European part of the FS began on Monday 25th March with a visit to the École militaire for a day of briefings on French security and defence policy. The choice of venue was of particular interest and an opportunity for Course Members to appreciate the NDC’s historic links with Paris: the École Militaire was the original home of the College, which was based there from 1951 until the move to Rome in 1966.
Brigadier General Jean Maurin, Deputy Chief of International Relations at the French Joint Staff, opened the morning session with a warm welcome to SC 122. In his opening remarks, the speaker underlined the importance of France’s current operational commitments. He spoke in some detail about relations with the EU and NATO – the first as a fundamental politico-military partner, the second as the major forum for awareness and management of emerging security threats. Brig Gen Maurin also highlighted the importance of further developing a capable European Defence and Security Policy pillar, to enhance the strength of the Alliance.
The second presentation was by Rear-Admiral Éric Chaperon, Head of the French Joint Staff’s International Organization Division and an Ancien of SC 115. He provided a very clear focus on the current evolution of the Armed Forces, against a backdrop of budget constraints and the related need for enhanced cooperation.
Brigadier General Patrick Brethous, Chief of Operations at the Joint Plans and Operations Centre, then took the floor. He described the significant current operational commitments of French forces overseas, underlining the importance of integration between military and civilian efforts and the permanent need to adapt operational commitments to constantly changing circumstances. A highlight of this talk was a fascinating overview of current operations in Mali.
The last speaker was Mr Maxime Lefebvre, Director of the Department for Prospective at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs. He gave a very interesting talk on French foreign policy and the rationale that underpins it, stressing the key role played by France following its return to NATO’s integrated military structure. The speaker also offered an expert appraisal of the changes in French foreign policy introduced by President Hollande, within the context of an uncertain international environment.
Every presentation was followed by a lively Q&A session, during which Course Members took full advantage of the opportunity to further explore the issues raised by the speakers.
Brigadier General Maurin delivered the closing remarks, expressing appreciation for the quality of the discussion between Course Members and the different speakers.
As the next stage on its European Security Perspectives itinerary, SC 122 now travels on to London.
Collège de Défense de l'OTAN 
