The Higher Command Studies Course (HCSC) 2025 students, accompanied by faculty members, conducted the International Study Trip (IST) to Brussels and Berlin last week.

The focus of the 2025 IST was on NATO, the European Union, and allied European nations. This trip provided an invaluable opportunity to explore Belgium and Germany's defence policies while delving into strategic decision-making at the Alliance and national levels.

The briefings from the NATO International Military Staff, the European Union Military Staff, and representatives from the Belgian Defence Staff and the German Federal Ministry of Defence offered HCSC students and faculty a comprehensive and up-to-date understanding of recent security developments.

Student also had the chance to engage with high-ranking security and defence professionals, who delivered detailed briefings on various aspects of NATO, EU, Belgian, and German defence policies and the broader European security landscape.

Day 1, March 10. Brussels

On the first day of the IST, the HCSC visited NATO Headquarters, where students and faculty were briefed by subject matter experts from the International Military Staff (IMS) and the International Staff (IS).

The day began with a welcome speech by Major General Mindaugas Steponavičius, the Lithuanian Military Representative. Major General Ulf Haeussler (GER), Director of the Operations and Planning Division, also delivered a speech discussing the NATO Strategic Concept, deterrence, and the DDA family of plans.
Additionally, two HCSC alumni—Rear Admiral Alberto Sodomaco, Director of the Office of the Chair of the NATO Military Committee, and Brigadier General Ilmars Lejins, Deputy Director of the Policy and Capabilities Division, IMS—provided valuable insights. Rear Admiral Sodomaco offered welcoming remarks, while Brigadier General Lejins gave an overview of NATO’s core tasks and current developments, including the Strategic Concept, DDA, NWCC, and WDA.

In the afternoon, the HCSC was briefed by COL Markus Gillett, Deputy Branch Chief of the Training and Exercise Branch in the Operations and Planning Division, on the topic of “NATO at a Glance.” Mr Bogusz, Officer of Integrated Air and Missile Defence in the Defence Investment Division, discussed the evolution of IAMD policy, the impact of Russian aggression against Ukraine, and future directions. Finally, COL Roland Lieb, Branch Head of Digital Operations & Transformation, briefed the HCSC on NATO’s ongoing digital transformation.

Day 2, March 11. Brussels

On the second day of the IST, the HCSC received briefings from the European Union Military Staff (EUMS) at the Prince Albert Club. The day began with a detailed briefing on EU defence policy from the European External Action Service (EEAS). Major General Gabor Horvath opened the session with a welcome address and provided insights into the military’s role within the EU. Maxime Roclore, Policy Officer at the Chief Executive’s Policy Office of the European Defence Agency (EDA), then delivered a presentation on the EDA’s mission and its involvement in implementing EU defence initiatives.

In the afternoon, LTC (GS) Manuel Pohl, Action Officer for CONCAP, briefed the HCSC on the implementation of the EUMS/Strategic Compass. The day concluded with a briefing by LTC Vasiliauskas on current military operations and missions under the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP).

Day 3, March 12. Brussels

On the third day of the IST, the HCSC visited the Belgian Defence Staff. The day began with welcome remarks from COL Luc Moerman of the Strategy Department. Following this, COL Bem Linotte, also from the Strategy Department, delivered a detailed briefing on Belgian defence policy. COL Geert Decat provided insights into the transformation of the Belgian Armed Forces and the integration of capability development. 

The day concluded with a briefing from LTC Bart Van Mele, who discussed current Belgian military operations.

Day 4, March 13. Berlin

On Thursday, the HCSC spent the day at the German Federal Ministry of Defence. After being welcomed by LTC Christoph Gallitzendoerfer, the group participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Bundeswehr Memorial, with the Commandant of the Baltic Defence College (BALTDEFCOL) also taking part.

The briefings began with Mr Michael Kniepen, Head of the Policy Branch, who provided a comprehensive overview of German security and defence policy. The HCSC then heard from LTG Andreas Hoppe, Deputy Chief of Defence, who delivered both a welcome and keynote address. RADM Christian Bock, Head of the Department of Military Strategy, Deployment, and Operations II, briefed the HCSC on the role of the German Armed Forces in national and collective defence and international crisis management.

In the afternoon, LTG Dr. Nicole Schilling provided an update on the German Armed Forces' progress towards operational readiness. The day concluded with a briefing from COL Sven W. Knacke, Deputy Head of the Special Staff for Ukraine, who discussed Germany's military support to Ukraine.

Day 5, March 14. Berlin

On Friday, 14 March, the HCSC visited the German Council for International Relations (DGAP) for a panel discussion on German perceptions of changes to the security environment, transatlantic ties and Russian threat. The speakers on the panel included LTG (ret) Heinrich Brauss, Dr Stefan Meister, Ms Rachel Tausendfreund and Dr András Rácz. 

Later on the day, Diehl Stiftung hosted the HCSC at its Berlin Office and introduced the course to its core activities related to defence programs.