NATO Defence College Field Studies Visit to NATO HQ on 19 March
On 19 March, the NATO Defense College (NDC) conducted a Field Studies visit to NATO HQ, International Military Staff, providing a unique learning opportunity for the Senior Course (SC) and NATO Regional Cooperation Course (NRCC) participants. This visit, which is an integral part of the NDC curriculum, allows course members to engage with national, regional, and global decision-makers while gaining firsthand insights into security policies, armed forces, and cultural values.
The visit was attended by 121 participants, with 75 from “SC-146”, 36 from “NRCC-36”, and the remaining attendees from NDC staff. The program included a diverse and comprehensive schedule. The opening session featured a welcome address, keynote, and Q&A with Lt Gen Janusz Adamczak, Director General of the International Military Staff (IMS).
This was followed by a panel discussion on the theme “NATO’s Deterrence and Defence: Strategic Imperatives for the Alliance”, with contributions from Mr. Angus Lapsley (Assistant Secretary General, Defence Planning Policy), Major General Ulf Haeussler (Director, Operations and Planning Division, IMS), Mr. Thijs van der Plas (Dutch Permanent Representative to NATO), and Lieutenant General Jérôme Goisque (French Military Representative to NATO).
The group was briefed on NATO’s approach to defence and industry’s role in building capabilities from senior experts across the NATO structure. Further sessions also included “NATO Cooperation Security and Military Cooperation” and “NATO’s Assessment of the Terrorist Threat”.
This visit was a valuable opportunity for NDC participants to gain a deeper understanding of NATO’s strategic direction and key areas of defense and security cooperation.