NORFOLK, VA – The NATO Defense College visited Norfolk, NATO’s home in North America on April 19th, 2023, for a series of discussions and briefs. NATO Defense College plays a significant role in promoting collective security of the Alliance, through education, research, and networking.
Supreme Allied Commander Transformation General Philippe Lavigne received Lieutenant General Olivier Rittimann, Commandant of the NATO Defense College, and additional members of the NATO Defense College, for a series of discussions on NATO Allied Command Transformation engagements and priorities. Topics included the NATO Warfare Capstone Concept, Multi-Domain Operations, Digital Transformation, and Emerging Disruptive Technologies.
The NATO Defense College is a military educational institute located in Rome, Italy, founded in 1951. It provides high-quality education and training for NATO staff, enabling greater cooperation and understanding among NATO member and partner nations. The NATO Defense College fosters dialogue and exchange of knowledge between military and civilian leaders throughout the Alliance, promoting collaborative development amongst attendees and fostering enduring, strategic partnerships.
NATO Allied Command Transformation is one of two strategic commands within NATO, responsible for warfare development and transformation, providing military commanders with capabilities, concepts, and doctrines required for the future of warfare. Developing the future leaders of the Alliance, NATO Defense College regularly visits Allied Command Transformation in Norfolk for education and training, particularly as they pertain to the transformation of the Military Instrument of Power.
Colonel Shawn Leonard, faculty advisor at the NATO Defense College, shared his thoughts: “The students from the NATO Defense College visit the United States for a week of meaningful engagements, learning from NATO Allied Command Transformation, as well as other entities like the Department of Defence and Department of State. These exchanges help us further technological innovation and interoperability throughout the Alliance.” The NATO Defense College will culminate their weeklong exchange with a visit to the United Nations in New York.
