25th Anniversary of Polish National Defence University (Akademia Obrony Narodowej) in Warsaw

In 2015, the Polish National Defence University in Warsaw is celebrating the twenty-fifth anniversary of its establishment. “Great splendor for the University would come from the presence of our foreign partners, whom we cooperate closely with”, the Rector-Commandant of the Polish National Defence University, Colonel Professor Dariusz Kozerawski, PhD, wrote in his invitation letter to the Baltic Defence College. The Commandant of the Baltic Defence College, MG Vitalijus Vaikšnoras, among other distinguished foreign and domestic guests, had the honor to participate in the events dedicated to the anniversary, stretching from September 20th until September 22nd.

The busy schedule of the events in celebration of the anniversary including meeting with the Rector-Commandant, participation in the gala conference attended by the Polish Minister of National Defence Mr. Tomasz Siemoniak, formal lunch and gala dinner, made the occasion memorable and therefore highly appreciated by all the guests invited. Particularly memorable was the presentation of an anniversary medal for recognition to the Commandant of the Baltic Defence College by the Rector-Commandant.

This visit can be considered very successful in many aspects, and important for the continuing co-operation between the Baltic Defence College and Poland. The Polish military and BALTDEFCOL have had a partner relationship for many years, with the Polish armed forces providing its officers to BALTDEFCOL faculty. Over the years the relationship between BALTDEFCOL and the Polish National Defence University has also been deepened in various areas. Keeping this in mind, the Commandant of the Baltic Defence College had an opportunity to express his thanks, on behalf of both the college and himself, to the Polish Chief of Defence, General Mieczysław Gocuł for the excellent support they have demonstrated towards BALTDEFCOL in the past, as well as for the formal recognition of one of our courses - the Joint Command and General Staff Course. With this in mind, the Commandant of BALTDEFCOL MG Vaikšnoras has kindly invited the Polish Chief of Defence to pay a visit to the Baltic Defence College.