Distinguished Visitors´ afternoon at BALTDEFCOL

Current situation and future development were the focus of an information event for Ambassadors and Defence Attachés of allied and partner nations as well as representatives of the educational sector organized by the Baltic Defence College (BALTDEFCOL) on 04th November 2016 in Tartu.

The Commandant of BALTDEFCOL, Major General Andis Dilans together with his Management team, consisting of Deputy Commandant/Chief of Staff, Dean, Course Directors and Department Directors, provided the distinguished visitors an overview of the actual course program, research and upcoming conferences. With respect to the latter, important events in the next six months will be the 2nd Senior Leaders´ Course from 28th November – 02nd December 2016, the 3rd Baltic Defence College Conference on Russia from 15th-17th February 2017 and the 8th Annual Baltic Military History Conference in March 2017.

The second part of the information afternoon dealt with the new BALTDEFCOL Development Plan 2017 - 2025, which was signed by the Baltic states Ministers of Defence on 20.10.2016 and will be implemented from January on. Major General Dilans presented the main lines of effort for the future, consisting of five elements: meeting customer (Baltic states) requirements; quality of education; connect with real world developments; best use of resources; attractiveness for allies and partners.

At the end of the program guests had the chance to visit BALTDEFCOL´s course and lecture rooms, among them in particular the Baltic Way Room which is dedicated to the August 1989 chain of Baltic people who peacefully expressed their will for freedom and independence.

Subsequently, the majority of visitors took the opportunity to join BALTDEFCOL´s students, staff and guests to celebrate the traditional annual “International Night” event.