NATO Defence College

The NATO Defence College was established in 1951. Since 1999 it has been at Cecchignola, near Rome, Italy, having previously been at Viale della Civilta del Lavoro, Rome, Italy 1966-1999, and the École Militaire, Champ de Mars, Paris, France 1951-1966.

The Commandant is an officer with the rank of Lieutenant-General, since March 2008 Gen. Wolf-Dieter Loeser, and has a Deputy Commandant with the rank of Major-General. There is also a Deputy Commandant (civil), and an academic staff of about 30 lecturers. Additionally, there are 8 faculty advisers (both civilian and military) each heading a committee of 7-8 students.

Senior Courses, the most important courses of the NDC, last 5½ months, and are run twice a year. Some 15 weeks are spent in the College, with the rest of the time traveling. There is a 2-3 day crisis management exercise.

NATO officers attending usually are in the rank of Colonels (or equivalent civilians), some as Lieutenant-Colonels. Over 100 attend each year (25% civilian).

There is also an annual two week General/Flag Officer course for 1-2 star officers, and equivalent civilians.

References

* [http://www.ndc.nato.int/ NATO Defense College]