On 17th of August, the Baltic Defence College (BALTDEFCOL) officially started the Academic Year 2020-2021 with an Opening Ceremony of the Joint Command and General Staff Course (JCGSC) 2020-2021.

Starting from today, 62 students representing 11 nations have started their 11-month educational journey. Some of them were participating through Ms Teams and will join the others after their mandatory self-isolation. From August to June, the students will participate in different academic events, go on study trips and staff rides and engage in exercises. They will also take part in a variety of social activities. Throughout their studies, the students will work together with BALTDEFCOL’s academic personnel and subject matter experts from numerous NATO, EU and partner countries to master their critical and analytical thinking skills.

In his opening speech, Brigadier General Ilmar Tamm, Commandant of BALTDEFCOL, welcomed the course participants and encouraged them to use their time in the College wisely and set reasonable goals and stick with it. BG Tamm urged them to share their previous experience and knowledge with their course mates and with BALTDEFCOL faculty, "It definitely will contribute to the development of yourself and to the others", he said.

JCGSC is BALTDEFCOL’s oldest course providing professional military education on the operational level to prepare general staff officers and selected civil servants for joint, interagency and multinational environments to meet the complex security challenges from Baltic and Euro-Atlantic perspectives.

BALTDEFCOL family wishes everyone a successful academic year! Make the best use of your talent, expand your knowledge, develop new friendships, learn from your companions and enjoy your time here in Tartu!