Today, 29 April, a delegation of 35 officers from the Royal Netherlands Military Academy visited the NATO Defense College to receive a briefing by Public Affairs Officer Colonel Giancarlo FORTUNA, who gave a general overview of the NDC’s missions and activities.
The Royal Netherlands Military Academy trains officers for the Royal Netherlands Army, the Royal Netherlands Air Force and, since 2001, the Royal Netherlands Military Police. On 2 September 2005 the RNMA became part of the Netherlands Defence Academy. With the establishment of the NLDA, the Castle of Breda (the historic location that has hosted the Academy since 1828) also opened its doors to midshipmen and other Defence Organization personnel. The RNMA has two training paths: the Short Commissioning Course and the Military-Scientific Education Course.
Every year, approximately 200 cadets take part in the Military-Scientific Education Course, lasting four and a half years, and 250 cadets attend the Short Commissioning Course, which lasts one year. An unusual aspect of attendance is that, although the figures change from year to year, the average percentage of women cadets is always 20%.
At the end of the presentation an intense question and answer period preceded a short guided tour of the facilities.
Prepared by Mr Angelo Marolla (ITA CIV)
Collège de Défense de l'OTAN