After starting in the NDC’s host country, Italy, Field Study 1 of Senior Course 138 continued its virtual journey to Spain. On 16 March 2021, it was Spain’s turn to host Course Members to discuss the nation’s role in relation to NATO and its views on international security.
LGEN Olivier Rittimann opened the session with a few introductory remarks, in which he thanked the Spanish Authorities and Course Members for making this virtual Field Study possible. After that, LGEN Francisco Bisbal, Director of CESEDEN (Spanish Advanced Centre for National Defence), took the floor with some introductory remarks and welcomed Course Members to their virtual visit to Spain.
The first lecture of the session, introduced by COL Ignacio Fuente-Cobo, was provided by MGEN Jose Luis Figuero, Director of the Cabinet of the General Director for Defence Policy, who shared a broad overview of the fundamentals of the Spanish Defence Policy, focusing on its mission, role and responsibilities, and on the Spanish contributions made to International peace and security. This first presentation was followed by Dr. Manuel Muñiz, State Secretary for Global Spain, who spoke about the risks and challenges in the international system and explained the role of Spain in the world and the strategic and political priorities of the Spanish Government. He also explained the new Spanish strategy for foreign action. The last lecture, delivered by the Chief of the Joint Defence Staff, LGEN Fernando García, was focused on the Spanish Armed Forces, its strengths and vulnerabilities. LGEN Garcia also explained both its operational and organizational structure, as well as the engagement of the Spanish Armed Forces within NATO and the EU. Lastly, Course Members had the opportunity to engage in a live discussion on defence issues with two Parliamentarians from the Defence Commission of the Spanish Parliament that was followed by some closing remarks provided by the appointed Course Member of one of the Committees.
Public Affairs Office
(Prepared by Mr Jose Moron Marchena, ESP C)
NATO Defense College