NDC Senior Course 114 conducts high-level discussions with experts at the Allied Command Transformation Headquarters in Norfolk, Virginia and Washington DC.
On the 28th of April 2009, Senior Course 114’s (SC 114) first stop on the Transatlantic Link Spring Field Study began with a visit to Allied Command Transformation (ACT) Headquarters, Norfolk Virginia. The purpose of the Norfolk visit is to give the Senior Course an opportunity to receive first hand information on strategic issues and programs initiated and overseen by the ACT staff.
The one-day programme provided an in-depth presentation on ACT’s output oriented organization and strategic engagement initiatives. The 92 Course Members heard how key decisions from the recent Summit in Strasbourg and Kehl will impact ACT. Moreover, detailed and pertinent briefings on the Multiple Futures Project results and NATO Education, Training and Exercise Evaluation Review Final Report provided valuable insight on the full range of issues of ongoing interest to ACT and the future of the Alliance.
The highlight of this visit included an ACT Flag Officer panel discussion with the Senior Course. As is usually the case, a robust question and answer period concluded the strategic-level discussions. Finally, ACT graciously hosted the Senior Course, the spouses, faculty and staff for a standing buffet before the NDC contingent departed on its next leg of the Spring Field Study.
Continuing the American portion of the Spring Field Study, SC 114 travelled to the nation’s capital, Washington DC.
On 30 April, SC 114 received a series of briefings on Capitol Hill. The first briefing by the Senate Historian, Mr. Don Ritchie, explained the history of the legislative process from 1800 to the present. Following Mr. Ritchie’s presentation, Mr. Bruce Turner, US Department of State, Office of European Securities and Political Affairs, briefed the outcomes of the recent Summit in Strasbourg and Kehl and discussed the future of NATO, the French reintegration and the NATO-Russia Council. Mr. Turner also participated in a well received challenging and candid question and answer session.
In the afternoon the course members had a unique opportunity to receive cultural tours of Washington DC’s historical attractions. SC114 concluded the day with an outstanding reception hosted by the US Marine Corps at the historic Marine Barracks
at 8th & I.
By Col Sandy HOCKADAY (USA AF)
NATO Defense College