It has been a long-standing tradition for the Centre for Security and Military Strategic Studies to organize international internships at NATO and European Union institutions as part of the General Staff Courses. This tradition continued in the current academic year when, on March 17 and 18, participants of the 43rd General Staff Course visited the Permanent Representation of the Czech Republic to the EU and the Permanent Delegation of the Czech Republic to NATO in Brussels. This was followed on March 19 by visits to the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE/ACO) in Mons and, finally, the Joint Force Command in Brunssum, Netherlands.

During their stay in Belgium and the Netherlands, course participants met with the highest-ranking political and military representatives of the Czech Republic within NATO and the EU. They had the opportunity to compare and expand their theoretical knowledge – gained during their studies – with the realities of addressing current security issues at both the strategic and operational levels. Thematic lectures primarily focused on the conflict in Ukraine, the state of transatlantic relations, and the necessity of responding appropriately to the heightened security situation in Europe and worldwide.

A central topic of discussion between course participants and representatives of the various institutions was the implementation of conclusions from recent NATO and EU summits, particularly in the context of the need to enhance the military capabilities of European NATO members, strengthen the so-called European pillar of the Alliance, and respond quickly and flexibly to current security threats. The overarching goal is to maintain the credibility of NATO and the EU as guarantors of security and stability not only in Europe but across the entire Euro-Atlantic area.

The practical insights and presentations of NATO’s and the EU’s planned strategic approaches allowed course participants to broaden their experience and gain valuable input – not only for their ongoing studies but also for their future roles in leadership and expert positions after completing the course.

As part of the visit, participants of the 43rd General Staff Course also toured the historic battlefield at Waterloo, which thematically complemented their study of military strategy, operational art, and operational planning.

Author: Ing. Zdeněk Petráš, Ph.D.
Photos by: Press Media JCFB