This week, the NATO Defense College and its Commandant Major General Janusz Bojarski (POL F) welcomed the new entrants to Senior Course 129 (SC 129), in the presence of the NDC Dean Dr Daria Daniels Skodnik (SVN C), the Director of Management Brigadier General Salvatore Carta (ITA A) and the heads of the different Divisions: Major General Pascal Valentin (FRA F), Brigadier General Heinz Josef Feldmann (DEU F), Dr Jeffrey A. Larsen (USA C) and Colonel Filippo Bonsignore (ITA A).
With 61 participants, this second course of the year gives us a chance to welcome a group in which 28 countries are well represented. A significant number of participants have joined the Course from the Partnership for Peace (PfP), the Mediterranean Dialogue (MD), the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative (ICI) and Partners Across the Globe.
The inauguration of Senior Course 129 was held on 30th August 2016 in the Maynard-Thorn Auditorium. The NATO Defense College bases its curriculum on an adult learning model, assuming that those attending the Senior Course are experienced officers and officials, familiar with the basic aspects of current political, economic, and defence and security issues, as seen from their own nations.
Thus, the level of information offered is advanced and study focuses on NATO-oriented comprehension and the application of principles and concepts rather than on basic facts. The Senior Course aims to contribute to the Alliance’s Outreach programmes by including a limited number of representatives from Partner nations, as well as participants from other countries as directed by the Alliance, for the full duration of the Senior Course, together with increased participation in the one-week Integrated Partner Orientation Course, to further mutual understanding and respect.
The Commandant, in his opening remarks, explained the fundamental contribution made by the Senior Course to strategic-level education. Aimed at promoting dialogue, interaction and cooperation, the Course is founded on the three pillars which form the basis of the NDC’s activity: education, research and outreach. Active participation in committee work and in lectures is a fundamental part of the learning experience at the NATO Defense College. The Course provides a strategic-level, academic forum to enable critical thinking and risk analysis.
SC129 will prepare participants for future positions in NATO, NATO-related posts or in other multinational organizations.
NDC Public Affairs Office
(Prepared by Ms Giuseppina Visciano, ITA C)
NATO Defense College