On 23 October 2013, the NATO Defense College (NDC) received its first ever visit from the Corps of Norwegian Military Chaplains. Overseen by the Diocese of Oslo, the Corps provides inclusive spiritual support to all, including non-believers. The aim of its visit to the NDC was to give participants a better understanding of the College’s mission and activities.
NDC Commandant LtGen Arne Bård Dalhaug (NOR A) warmly welcomed the visitors, led by Chief Chaplain General BGen Alf Petter Hagesæther (NOR A). The group was also accompanied by LtGen Bernt Iver F Brovold (NOR A), the Norwegian Military Representative to NATO.
Upon arrival, the chaplains attended a detailed briefing on the College by Director of Management Cmdre Harald Hakonsen (NOR N). His presentation focused mainly on the NDC’s mission, but also provided information on the objectives and main features of College courses.
The visitors then had the opportunity to attend the main lecture of the day for the courses currently in session. The topic was “How NATO works”, presented by LtGen (ret) P.J.M. (Jo) Godderij (NLD F), former Director of the NATO International Military Staff.
Mrs Heidi Reisinger (DEU C), a NDC researcher in the area of NATO’s Partnership Policy and Russia and Central Asia, then gave a timely briefing on a current NATO issue, “NATO Partnership Policy after 2014”. This inspiring presentation included discussion of partnership-related points regarding the ending of the NATO mission in Afghanistan, and the resulting challenges for the Alliance.
Following a lively Q&A session on the issues raised, the group shared a brief tour of the College with another visiting delegation, from the Norwegian Atlantic Committee (NAC).
This visit was a wonderful opportunity for the Corps of Norwegian Military Chaplains to better understand the NDC’s role as NATO’s premier academic institution.
NDC Public Affairs Office
(Prepared by Ms Monica Fornari, ITA C)
Collège de Défense de l'OTAN