On 27th March Senior Course 120 and the NATO Defense College delegation, led by the NDC Commandant, Lieutenant General Arne Bård Dalhaug, arrived in Jordan for a three day visit.
This visit began with presentations at the Royal Jordan National Defense College (RJNDC) where the Course was welcomed by the Commandant, Brigadier General Taha Al-Mawajdeh.
The first briefer was Colonel Mohammad Smaoi, a member of the RJNDC Faculty, who gave a detailed overview of the educational methods used the College as well as an outline of the curricula for each of its courses.
The next speaker, Colonel Rezeg Al Khwaldel, also a member of the RJNDC Faculty, described the Jordanian Armed Forces and explained the country’s defence policy. He underlined the importance of the fight against terrorism in order to ensure Jordan’s security and went on to discuss the crucial cooperation between Jordan and NATO.
The floor was then given to Major General Mahmod Irdaisat, the Director of the Centre for Strategic Studies, who provided significant insight into the current situation in the Middle East. He emphasized Jordan’s desire to maintain strong relations with the West in order to facilitate the democratic process.
A lively question and answer period followed the presentations.
On 28th March, the Members of Senior Course 120 and the NATO Defense College Staff visited Petra, the world famous archaeological site, where they gained deep insight into Jordanian history and culture. The day concluded with a briefing delivered by Dr. Nawaf Tell, Special Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs who provided an overview of Jordanian foreign policy and current security challenges and also referred to issues associated with Palestinian refugees.
On 29th March, the Commandant was received by His Royal Highness Prince El Hassan bin Talal of Jordan at the Princess Sumaya University of Technology where the Prince then addressed the Course. His thought-provoking and stimulating presentation on the security of the region and the economic and social challenges affecting it was highly appreciated by his audience. There is no doubt that Prince El Hassan bin Talal ‘s speech was the highlight of the College’s visit to Jordan: a fact which was proved by the very clear interest expressed by the Course Members during the question period and by their appreciation for the opportunity to listen to such an eminent and expert speaker.
The day continued with a visit to the archaeological site at Jarash with its ancient ruins, before the delegation flew to Greece and its capital town, Athens, for the last leg of the Field Study.
More about the Field Study:
NATO Defense College 
