JFC Naples virtually hosts NATO Defence College Course

JFC Naples hosts virtually NATO Defence College Course

Story by JFC Naples J9

Lago Patria, Italy - Allied Joint Force Command Naples (JFCNP) had the distinct pleasure to virtually host the 24th NATO Defence College (NDC), NATO Regional Cooperation Course (NRCC) from Rome, Italy on 21-22 October 2020.

The overarching goal of the NRCC is to explain NATO’s security strategy in the region and to achieve a mutual exchange of perceptions and perspectives with the participants from the Mediterranean Dialogue (MD) and Istanbul Cooperation Initiative (ICI) countries, and partners from the Middle East region.

This was an important opportunity to share insights on security issues, partake in candid discussion, and to promote JFCNP activities to 19 representatives spanning 8 different partner countries

said Brigadier General Peter Klement.

Typically, the NRCC members visit JFCNP to receive an in-person Headquarters orientation. However, due to a recent change in the COVID travel restrictions and environment, both organizations swiftly altered the agenda to be delivered through a 2-day virtual discussion.

“The evolution of the pandemic situation cannot be predicted and we must evolve to keep pace to new challenges in a changing world. The flexibility to accomplish this interaction virtually is a prime example of how JFCNP maintains the building and sustainment of strong relationships within the NATO community.” stated Klement.

Brigadier General Peter Klement provides his opening remarks for the virtually NATO Regional Cooperation Course (NRCC) from Rome, Italy on 22 October 2020 at Joint Force Command Naples. Picture by Master Sergeant OR-8 Florian Fergen DEU AF.

During their visit to JFCNP, the NRCC-24 students were introduced to Allied JFCNP history, mission, and Area of Responsibility roles. Special focus included information on the Joint Operation Centre, NATO Mission Iraq and Military Partnerships.

Also part of the cooperation with the NDC for the NRCC-24 was the in-person briefing provided by the Director of the NATO Strategic Direction South (NSD-S) Hub, Brigadier General Re, presenting his organization and providing an overview of global trends and challenges affecting North Africa, Sahel and Middle East. In addition to that a virtual workshop was held in which the structured analytical techniques used by the Hub and a case study of their application were explained to the NRCC-24 students.