Welcome to the Civil Servants' Course 2022

Dear CSC students,

Congratulations on having been selected for the Civil Servants’ Course (CSC) academic year 2022, and welcome to the Baltic Defence College (BALTDEFCOL) in Tartu!

The BALTDEFCOL is organised to provide you with quality residential studies in intensive, face-to-face academic venues delivered in a seminar format. The BALTDEFCOL is mature, internationally respected educational institution with over 20 years of experience in teaching various military related topics and themes, such as NATO regional security and Russia. The College consists of a team of likeminded, study-oriented people, faculty, and staff, civilian and military, all of whom you will meet on the premises during lectures and other events and activities. As you know, the issue of COVID-19 has heavily affected the current environment and all educational settings, pushing us all out of the norm. Fortunately, the BALTDEFCOL faculty was able to adapt to this changed world during the quarantine and continued the educational process by the use of distance learning. Please be prepared for changes during your course as similar events may occur unexpectedly, and you may receive at least part of your education through the use of distance learning. Whatever is going to happen, please expect challenges, be ready to adapt, and focus on your education.

I would like to encourage you to be active during the course, to share your experience and insights, and likewise to be open to learning from your military counterparts. Civilian-military interaction and closer cooperation are essential in dealing with the current security challenges. Your presence here in the College and your course of study together with your military peers from the Joint Command and General Course (JCGSC) is an important factor towards developing and enhancing the whole-of-government approach for defence and security in our respective countries.

In addition to CSC main curriculum and with approval of your national authorities, you are welcome to participate in the Combined Joint Staff Exercise together with the JCGSC students to practise complex problem-solving at the operational level based on an Article 5 scenario.

While studying, do not forget to enjoy the opportunity to relax and spend quality time with your colleagues and families, explore the region, and learn more about local and various national cultures present in the College. After all, the friendships and relationships that you develop in BALTDEFCOL will stay with you for a long time.

I wish you success and am looking forward to personally welcome you to the College!

ANDRIEJUS GRACHAUSKAS

Colonel (LTU A)

Course Director

Joint Command and General Staff Course/Civil Servants’ Course