The Baltic Defence College (BALTDEFCOL) Joint Command and General Staff Course (JCGSC) International Study Trip (IST) 2025 provided an exceptional opportunity for professional military education through strategic engagement and operational insight. The course was divided into two directions—North and South, each offering unique perspectives on multinational defence cooperation and leadership.

North Direction: NATO Operational Engagement and Multinational Exposure

The North direction of the Baltic Defence College (BALTDEFCOL) Joint Command and General Staff Course (JCGSC) International Study Trip 2025 offered participants a structured and immersive experience across key NATO and national defence institutions in Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands. The itinerary was designed to deepen operational understanding, strategic awareness, and multinational cooperation.

The trip began in Mons, Belgium, with visits to the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) and the Allied Special Operations Forces Command (SOFCOM). At SHAPE, participants received detailed briefings on NATO’s command structure, the NATO Response System, and the coordination between NATO, the EU, and the UN.  At SOFCOM, briefings from the J5, Legal Advisor, and Education and Training staff provided insights into strategic planning, legal considerations, and capability development within NATO Special Operations.

The next day, the group explored the Battle of Fort Eben-Emael as a historical case study, offering a tactical and operational perspective on early World War II conflict. Later, they visited the NATO Airborne Early Warning and Control Force (AWACS) in Geilenkirchen, Germany, where they gained firsthand understanding of NATO’s airborne surveillance and command capabilities.

Continuing the journey, the delegation travelled to Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum in the Netherlands. Here, they were briefed on NATO’s regional responsibilities, operational planning, and the role of JFC Brunssum in collective defence and deterrence, particularly on NATO’s eastern flank.

The final stop was at the German Army’s Concepts and Capabilities Development Centre (ACCDC) in North Rhine-Westphalia. This visit offered a national perspective on innovation, future force planning, and capability development within the German armed forces.

Throughout the trip, students were exposed to a wide range of operational environments and strategic frameworks. These engagements significantly enhanced their understanding of NATO’s command structures and the contributions of individual member states. The experience bridged theoretical learning with practical exposure, reinforcing the importance of interoperability, coordination, and strategic foresight in multinational defence operations.

South Direction: Strategic Engagement and Cultural Reflection

The South direction of the Baltic Defence College (BALTDEFCOL) Joint Command and General Staff Course (JCGSC) International Study Trip 2025 offered participants a comprehensive educational experience across Italy, combining operational briefings, institutional visits, and cultural exploration.

The first engagements took place at the Allied Joint Force Command Naples (JFC NP) and the Joint Logistics Support Group Naples (JLSGNP HQ). Here, participants received briefings on NATO’s southeastern operations, regional security dynamics, and key functional areas such as logistics and cyber defence, broadening their understanding of NATO’s strategic posture in the region.

The programme continued with a visit to the United States Sixth Fleet Headquarters, where students gained insights into maritime operations and transatlantic cooperation. This was followed by a case study at Monte Cassino, where participants examined the terrain and operational complexity of the historic 1944 battle. A visit to the Polish Military Cemetery provided a moment of reflection and tribute to the multinational sacrifices made during the conflict.

In Rome, the delegation visited the European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR MED) Operation IRINI Headquarters, where they were briefed on the mission’s objectives, operational planning, intelligence, and logistics. A tour of the Joint Operational Centre (JOC) offered real-time exposure to mission execution and inter-agency coordination.

The group also visited the Centro Alti Studi Difesa (CASD), Italy’s premier institution for senior military and civil education. The visit emphasised leadership development, change management, and international collaboration, and included a meeting between the BALTDEFCOL and CASD Commanders to reaffirm their shared commitment to global defence education.

The final academic engagement took place at the NATO Defence College (NDC) in Rome. Participants were welcomed by the Commandant and received a comprehensive overview of the college’s mission, structure, and educational approach. A Q&A session addressed contemporary topics such as the integration of Ukraine’s experience and the role of artificial intelligence in military education. The visit also featured a lecture on international leadership by Ambassador Stefano Pontecorvo, who shared personal insights and practical guidance.

This well-rounded programme provided participants with valuable exposure to multinational operations, strategic leadership, and the enduring relevance of historical and cultural context in professional military education.