NATO Defense College (NDC) is the international military college for North Atlantic Treaty Organization countries. It is located in Rome, Italy.
History
The idea of a NATO Defense College originated with General Dwight D. Eisenhower, the first Supreme Allied Commander Europe, who identified very early on the need for a new international institution with a unique education mission. On 19 November 1951, the NATO Defense College opened its doors to Course 1 in Paris. In 1966, France withdrew from the Alliance's integrated military structure and the College moved to the EUR quartier of Rome, where it continues to fulfil its mission.
On 10 September 1999, the new College building, twice the size of the old one, was inaugurated in Cecchignola Città Militare, a military zone 2 km from the former site. On 13–14 October 2016, the NATO Defense College celebrated the 50th anniversary of its move to Rome and the 65th anniversary of its foundation.
Mission
In response to Strategic Guidance issued to the NDC by the North Atlantic Council and the NATO Military Committee (MC123/8), the NDC Mission is:
Contribute to effectiveness and cohesion of Alliance
Foster strategic level thinking on pol-mil matters
Develop major center of education, study, and research: Prepare selected officers and officials for important NATO and NATO-related multinational appointments Conduct academic studies and research in support of the Alliance's wider goals Support an active outreach programme with other educational institutions
Organization
The commandant is an officer with the rank of Lieutenant-General. In July 2019, Lieutenant-General Olivier Rittimann of the French Army assumed command.
To accomplish its mission the college is organized into four main divisions that perform education and research tasks coordinated by the dean (civilian equivalent of a 2-star general) of the college.
The divisions work closely together to provide breadth, flexibility and quality of high-level strategic education.
The Director of Management (a Brigadier General) supervises management of the NDC's financial and technical resources with the aim of improving the quality of life in the college and creating the best conditions for work and study.