News

The annual Generals, Flag Officers and Ambassadors Course (GFOAC 2023-1) was held from 12-16 June 2023 at the NATO Defense College.

On 12 June 2023, Lieutenant General Olivier Rittimann, Commandant of the NATO Defense College, was awarded the high-level Hungarian “Honours for the Alliance” military decoration.

Finland was the final destination to conclude Field Study 3. Course Members of Senior Course 142 visited the most recent country to join NATO, in an effort to gain first-hand knowledge and insights from top officials directly involved in Finland’s defence and security.

Norway was the third destination on the Field Study 3 trip. The NDC delegation paid a visit to Oslo where Course Members of Senior Course 142 heard a wide range of briefings at the great location of Fanehallen Akershus Fortress and had a remarkable boat tour reception, learning more on security and defence and appreciating Norwegian hospitality.

On 7 June 2023, a delegation composed of 16 visitors from the Algerian War College (École Supérieure de Guerre - ESG) visited the NATO Defense College.

From 29 May to 1 June 2023, a group of 45 young professionals from the NATO Field School and Simulation Program (organized by Simon Fraser University) visited the NATO Defense College. They completed an intensive four-day simulation called the Negotiation, Mediation, and Decision-Making Exercise (NMDX).

The second stop for the Field Study 3 trip was to the Netherlands, where Course Members of Senior Course 142 spent 4 days in The Hague. The NDC delegation was hosted at the Parliament, the Peace Palace and the Ministry of Defence. Course Members received insights and gained greater understanding of the Netherlands' approach to security and defence.

The third Field Study trip for SC142 officially started on Monday, 29 May 2023 in Bern, Switzerland, where Course Members were warmly welcomed by the Swiss authorities. High-level presentations, a boat tour on the Thun Lake and an outstanding reception organized at Niesen Kulm will remain impressed in the memories of the NDC delegation.

On 25 and 26 May 2023, the NATO Defense College hosted its 69th Anciens’ Annual Conference and Seminar. The Anciens’ Seminar is the NDC’s principal means to maintain and foster meaningful interaction with former Senior Course members.

The Spanish Minister of National Defence, Ms Margarita Robles Fernández, visited the NATO Defense College on 24 May 2023.