NATO Defence College

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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 of the rank of Lieutenant-General or higher, and there are two Deputy Commandants (military, who are Major-Generals. There is also a Deputy Commandant (civil), and an academic staff of 30 lecturers. Additionally, 8 faculty advisers (2 civilian, 6 military) each heads a committee of 7-8 students, which change halfway through each course.

Courses lasts 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 attend as Lieutenant-Colonels, Colonels, and some as Majors. Over 100 attend each year (25% civilian). Officers receive the letters NADC if they graduate or are on the staff for one year.

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