From 9 to 13 September 2024, the NATO Defense College held Modular Short Course 145-1 (MSC 145-1), focused on the theme of “Contemporary NATO”. This five-day Course introduced participants to the challenging and evolving security environment in which NATO operates and explained how the Alliance must keep adapting to remain relevant.
The MSC 145-1 was attended by 20 participants, including military officers and civilian officials from 13 Allied nations. Run in parallel with Senior Course 145 and the NATO Regional Cooperation Course, MSC 145-1 offered an overview of NATO’s mission and key areas of operation while analysing the global security challenges confronting the Alliance today and in the near future.
The role of NATO in the new multilateral order, the evolution of the transatlantic link and how NATO works were some of the topics discussed during the Course. Lectures were delivered by a distinguished group of NATO experts and practitioners, such as NATO Assistant Secretary General for Public Diplomacy Ms Marie-Doha Besancenot; SHAPE Director of Communications Mr Jay Janzen; former NATO IS DPPD Executive Officer Brigadier General (Ret.) Dr Patrick Wouters; former NDC Commandant and Senior NATO Mentor Lieutenant General (Ret.) Olivier Rittimann; and Dr John R. Deni, Research Professor of JIIM Security Studies at the Strategic Studies Institute.
The Course included interactive Q&A sessions and daily committee work, enabling participants and lecturers to engage in open discussions. These exchanges provided a valuable opportunity to share perspectives and consolidate the knowledge gained during the lectures.
Course participant Colonel Aki Heikkinen, from the Finnish Air Force, emphasized how the lectures and interactions with fellow attendees deepened his understanding of NATO’s inner workings and policy development. As he transitions to his new role within the Finnish Defence Command, Colonel Heikkinen noted that the insights gained from MSC 145-1 will be instrumental in carrying out his new responsibilities, particularly those related to NATO defence planning.
NDC Public Affairs Office
(Prepared by Ms Sofia Carvalheiro, PRT C)
NATO Defense College