Visit by delegation of Latvian University

Rector of University of Latvia Professor Marcis Auzins and Director of Support and Administration of the University Mr Janis Stonis visited the BALTDEFCOL on 26 November. The Latvian delegation had a meeting and series of presentations by the BALTDEFCOL leadership, including incoming commandant Brigadier General Meelis Kilii.

During the meeting with the BALTDEFCOL Commandant BG Gundars ABols briefed the delegation about the BALTDEFCOL, its courses and priorities.

Acting Course Director of Joint Command and General Staff Course (JCGSC) LTC (ret) Ronald LaGrone briefed the guests on various aspects of the JCGSC such as Course Plans, evaluation systems etc. BALTDEFCOL Dean Dr James S. Corum gave the guest overview of the Higher Command Studies Course, developments in the MA studies program, and a brief insight into the BALTDEFCOL Development Plan 2010-2016.

Among other topics were discussed ways how the University of Latvia and the BALTDEFCOL can build a stronger and closer academic partnership, faculty exchanges and included talk on allowing Latvian University advanced graduate students to take parts of the HCSC and to undertake research activities involving both faculties. The Rector said that he enjoyed the visit very much and expressed his interest in increasing cooperation between the two institutions in several fields of scholarship and research.

The visit was part of the ongoing programm of the BALTDEFCOL to work with the universities of the Baltic States and to build up a culture of security studies and scholarship involving the academic institutions of the region.