Concluding the Academic Year 2020/2021

On 15th June, the Baltic Defence College family members gathered to formally conclude the Academic Year 2020/2021.

The Commandant opened the meeting by greeting the staff and faculty members in the conference room, not via virtual engagements, “it has been a long time since we last met here”, he said. And it is true. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, BALTDEFCOL has operated via the web.

But even due to the restrictions, the College has been able to develop itself in many ways. The world-class Annual Conference on Russia was conducted, the highly recognised Command Senior Enlisted Leaders’ Course was delivered, internally a new Document Handling System was implemented etc. At the same time providing high quality education during the year of pandemic, was challenging but performed exceptionally.

During the meeting, the Commandant thanked every single member of the College for this successful year, During the Staff Meeting, some members were awarded different decorations to highlight their role and contribution during the ending Academic Year.

For the second year, the Best Staff Member was recognized. SFC Ivo Kardmaa has displayed the most BALTDEFCOL’s Values of Respect, Openness, Responsibility and Social aspects as per our Code of Conduct.

The meeting was also an opportunity to introduce new staff members but also to say farewells to leaving personnel. All departing members received a graphic picture of the College to remind their service here in Tartu. It is always sad to say goodbyes but like family members, they are always expected to come back.

The concluding events of the Academic Year 2020/2021 will continue with the Joint Graduation Ceremony of the Higher Command and Studies Course and the Joint Command and General Staff Course on 17th June.