On 26 October, the first day of their 2nd Field Study, Senior Course 117 visited Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE).
Course members and staff were warmly welcomed by the Chief of Staff (COS), General M. LANGE, who gave a general introduction to current operations in SHAPE.
A full operational update on ongoing missions was presented by Colonel J. STAEHLE from the Strategic Operations Centre. This was followed by a presentation by Lieutenant Colonel I. WOODBRIDGE from the Readiness and Requirement Directorate Force Readiness Division, who explained extensively how SHAPE is developing concepts for the preparation of forces for operations.
A briefing on Military Cooperation of NATO and its different partners was presented by Mr L. DAYKIN (Military Cooperation Division).
The interesting Q&A session that followed was hosted by General LANGE, accompanied by Major General M. RAMSAY (DCOS Military Operations and Intelligence Division), Major General F. MALENISKY (DCOS Military Cooperation Division), this morning’s speakers and Mr C. KUZELL (Special Advisor to SACEUR).
After a working lunch in the SHAPE Club, and further discussions with their National Military Representation and with SHAPE Senior Staff and SHAPE Anciens, the Senior Course moved to the European Council building to receive briefings on the EU.
Brigadier General E. PULKINNEN, Director Operations Directorate EUMS, welcomed Course Members to an afternoon of briefings and discussions with experts from the EU.
Mrs Claude-France ARNOULD, Director Crisis Management and Planning Directorate, briefed the Course on Common Security and Defence Policy (CDSP) issues, and gave a detailed explanation of the approach and realities of EU missions.
Rear Admiral LISTA, Deputy Director General of EU Military Staff (EUMS), continued with a briefing on the military in the EU, and gave an overview of their structure, functions and complexity.
The Comprehensive Approach within the EU was presented by Brigadier General HORVATH, Director of Concepts and Capability Directorate. He focused intensively on the Conceptual Development to the Comprehensive Approach within the EU.
Mr K. KLOMPENHOUWER, Civilian Operations Commander, gave a very informative presentation of Civilian Crisis Management Capability and ongoing operations. A brief but informative Q & A session followed each presentation.
SC 117 will continue the Field Study with a visit to NATO HQ on 27 October.
NDC Public Affairs Office
Collège de Défense de l'OTAN