From 5 to 23 May 2025, the Baltic Defence College (BALTDEFCOL), in cooperation with the Polish War Studies University (WSU) and the Finnish National Defence University (FNDU), conducted the fifth iteration of the Combined Joint Staff Exercise JOINT RESOLVE 2025 (CJSE JR25) in Tartu, Estonia.

This year’s edition was notable for the first full participation of the FNDU General Staff Officers Course and the return of a substantial delegation from the National Defence University of Ukraine, making CJSE JR25 the largest exercise of its kind since 2019.

The aim of the exercise was to develop military solutions to complex operational challenges using the NATO operational planning process. Participants worked collaboratively in simulated Joint Operational Planning Groups, applying the Comprehensive Operations Planning Directive (COPD). The multinational environment encouraged exchange between officers of varying military and educational backgrounds. Additionally, three BALTDEFCOL students participated in an exchange programme with the German Führungsakademie in Hamburg.

The exercise was supported by Senior Mentors, Subject Matter Experts, and faculty from the three organising institutions, along with representatives from NATO Command and Force Structures and various Centres of Excellence. External observers were also present throughout the event. CJSE JR25 brought together over 250 participants from 21 nations, underscoring the event’s growing significance in preparing NATO and partner nation officers for operational leadership roles.

A key highlight of CJSE JR25 was the Distinguished Visitors Day, which served as a platform to demonstrate the strategic and educational value of the exercise to senior leaders and diplomatic representatives.  The distinguished visitors were welcomed by Brigadier General Alvydas Šiuparis, the Commandant of the Baltic Defence College, and the co-hosts of the exercise, Colonel Darius Majchzrak, Vice-Rector of the War Studies University, and Colonel Pasi Hirvonen, Vice-Rector of the Finnish National Defence University.  Among the guests were Major General Andrus Merilo, Commander of the Estonian Defence Forces, Major General Ilmar Tamm, Commander of the Estonian Defence League, Major General Bogdan Rycerski, Commander of the Joint Force Training Centre and Ambassadors of Canada, Norway, Poland, and Lithuania.

After a short reception, the programme commenced with a briefing session where the three institutions introduced their vision, mission, and academic activities. In addition, Colonel Toomas Möls, one of the Exercise JOINT RESOLVE 2025 Exercise Directors, explained the evolution, aim, structure, and objectives of JR25.

The presence of the distinguished visitors highlighted the importance of CJSE JR25 in fostering multinational military cooperation, interoperability, and shared educational objectives across NATO and partner countries.