On 24th and 25th of April 2019, the Baltic Defence College (BALTDEFCOL) hosted Major General Genadi Tavaratsyan, Commandant of the National Defence Research University of Defence Ministry of Armenia. The aim of the visit was to share experiences related to Professional Military Education (PME) at operational and strategic levels.

MG Tavaratsyan was welcomed by MG Andis Dilāns, Commandant of BALTDEFCOL and College management. The visit started with briefings on both organisations, followed by introductory presentations on BALTDEFCOL courses and the education system in Armenia with the focus on the National Defence Research University as a PME organisation. Within the programme, both Commandants discussed educational matters during the office call. MG Tavaratsyan received a thorough overview of the academic activities conducted at the College. In the afternoon, the discussions focused on a variety of topics, including Curriculum development, teaching methods and methodology, and blended learning and implementation of ADL.

The second day started with MG Tavaratsyan’s participation in the Higher Command Studies Courses’ lecture “Defence policy of Czech Republic” serving as an example of teaching methods at BALTDEFCOL. The day then continued with more in-depth discussions with BALTDEFCOL Faculty and sharing of best practices related to professional education of civil servants and officers. The National Defence Research University’s visit was linked with the ongoing changes in the Armenian PME and it was sponsored by NATO Defence Enhanced Education Program.