The NATO Defense College Celebrates its 70 years as the Premier Academic Institution of the Atlantic Alliance

This most significant milestone was celebrated in tandem with the 68th edition of the Anciens’ Conference and Seminar. For more than seven decades, the NDC has been steadfast in educating today’s leaders to face tomorrow’s challenges by delivering professional military education for Allied and Partner countries.

At 70, the “NDC is More Relevant than Ever”. To mark the occasion, the College held a military ceremony accompanied by academic sessions on Innovation and the implications for Future Military Education.

Lieutenant General Olivier Rittimann, NDC Commandant, hosted the event with the participation of distinguished guests and keynote addresses by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and Italian Minister of Defence Lorenzo Guerini.

Commemorations began with the arrival of NATO Secretary General and Minister Guerini, who were saluted by the Honour Guards of the Italian Armed Forces. General Rittimann, together with the Chair of the Military Committee Admiral Bauer and the Italian Chief of Defence, Admiral Cavo Dragone then led a ceremonious inspection of the guards. Dignitaries in attendance were the Italian Permanent Representative, Ambassador Talò, NATO leaders, ambassadors based in Rome, and the highest political, diplomatic, military and civilian officials from the host nation and the wider Transatlantic community, together with the Anciens, who form a cohesive network of Senior Course graduates.

After the raising of the flag ceremony, a replica of the 1951 Paris entrance plaque from the initial location of NDC at the École militaire, was unveiled by Secretary General Stoltenberg and Minister Guerini.

Distinguished guests and dignitaries then gathered in the Maynard-Thorn Auditorium, where Lieutenant General Rittimann welcomed guests before offering the floor to Secretary General Stoltenberg for the opening address:

General Rittimann also announced the launch of an “added value” course, the Senior Executive Seminar, intended for high-level officials, civil servants, and military leaders.

On this particular visit to the NDC, Secretary General Stoltenberg stated:

During his speech, he praised the work of the NDC , and evoked its involvement in the NATO 2030 process, “the College’s role in exploring new approaches and developing future leaders is more relevant than ever.”

The Secretary General was also awarded the title of Honorary Ancien of the College.

Minister of Defence Lorenzo Guerini, representing the Italian government, concluded the morning ceremony by stating, "It is with great pride that we celebrate the 70th anniversary of this prestigious institute, which Italy has the privilege of hosting. It was the foresight and strategic vision of General Eisenhower that assigned the College the function of preparing the civil and military leadership of NATO. Since then, this institution has provided an essential contribution in training generations of officials for the benefit of our Alliance, whose human capital is one of the resources to keep it vital, adapted to the times, and to the changing scenarios of the security environment."

The afternoon was dedicated to an exclusive and insightful fireside discussion on Innovation between NATO Deputy Secretary General, Ambassador Mircea Geoană, and SpaceX Senior Vice President, Mr Tim Hughes.

With the conclusion of the 70th Anniversary celebrations, the 68th Anciens’ Conference and Seminar officially began on Friday 19 November. NDC Dean, Dr Mariano gave an inspiring presentation on General Dwight Eisenhower, founding father of the College and traced the General’s lifelong journey in education and training.

Ms Susan Eisenhower, General Eisenhower’s granddaughter addressed the audience in a recorded tribute to her grandfather’s personal and professional mission in strategic education, as also detailed her latest book “How Ike Led”.
Dr Andrea Gilli, NDC’s Senior Researcher, then provided brief reflections on how Professional Military Education may adapt in the future, and as addressed in the NDC’s most recent Policy Briefs, authored by Dr Gilli and Dr Mariano respectively.

The closing discussion panel “Challenges of Future Professional Military Education”, was moderated by Dr Tardy, with Professor Avi Goldfarb, Dr Francesca Borgonovi and Professor Michael C. Horowitz.

The 2-day event then concluded with the Anciens General Assembly meeting, a yearly gathering of the Anciens community.

NDC Public Affairs Office
(Prepared by Ms Ilaria Latorre, ITA C)