The Bugle BALTDEFCOL NEWSLETTER

February ‘09 Nr. 1

Foreword by Commandant Gundars Abols

Lectori salutem! to disseminate news and Special points of in- information about the BALT- terest: IT is my particular pleas- DEFCOL activities, accom- ure to welcome you to read plishments, events, seminars, • News from BALTDEFCOL the new Baltic Defence Col- news and, of course, people. p. 2-3 lege (BALTDEFCOL) news- Published quarterly in the letter, the Bugle! newsletter includes not only • Current activities in Courses and Departments As paper is a trusted me- BALTDEFCOL events but p. 4-5 dium which has always been also promotes various leisure and continues to be a major time events outside of the • Stories behind Syndicate opinion former and has led College and will be as much badges p. 6 and will continue to lead about the future as it is • Key documents of BALT- public opinion representing about the recent past. DEFCOL p. 8 the community it serves, I hereby wish to extend then we felt the time was heartfelt thanks to all the BrigGen Gundars Abols right to create a newsletter BALTDEFCOL staff who relevant to the entire BALT- have contributed, are con- DEFCOL community – stu- tributing or will contribute in I do hope that you will dents, faculty, administrative one way or another to the embrace this effort and you staff, alumni – but also to the enrichment and smooth cir- will gradually feel that the outside world. culation of this publication. Bugle will be more and more The Bugle will be edited I believe that constructive yours and about you! from a broad perspective and criticism helps towards the May the Bugle be a suc- articles will cover a broad development of ideas and the cess! range of topics. The main improvement of quality and goal of the newsletter, of therefore all your comments BrigGen Gundars Abols which you are presently on the first issue of the Bugle Commandant reading the very first issue, is are more than welcomed.

Editor’s introduction Mr Villu Varjas (Editor) Now the old tradition is sounded good, suddenly the reinitiated, but with more Bugle burst up. WHAT is common to all scope and thanks to the mul- With no doubt it is linked anniversaries, is looking back timedia era graphically more to the military and its tradi- in the past to see where did eye-friendly. Hopefully! tions. And it is original. And The Bugle So, why the Bugle? Many since one of its purposes was Est. 2008 one start, and where have they reached by now. good names where suggested to give instructions, which (and thanks to everybody for also can be related to sharing Chief Editor: Similar is the case with Villu Varjas BALTDEFCOL newsletter, their help!), but somehow information, and this exactly [email protected] which is not anything new, none of them left the feeling is the purpose of this news- +372 717 6068 since a newsletter was pub- that it was the ONE. letter, we had found a name lished already during the ini- Then, among others hav- for it—the BALTDEFCOL tial development of the Col- ing other musical instru- Bugle! Riia 12, lege! ments offered, which also Page 2 NEWS BALTDEFCOL

Arrival of new Dean

BALTDEFCOL is glad to an- dean, the Bugle had a small inter- nounce that in this January arrived view with him. Dr Corum has set- the new Dean, Dr James S. Corum tled well in to town and says that (USA), to the College. Dr. Corum “Tartu is much prettier than the retired from US Army in 2004 (at guidebook says it is”. He tells that the rank of Lieutenant Colonel) and he is quite impressed of the level of since 2005 worked as an Associate English of both the college staff and Professor at the US Army Com- people in Tartu in common. mand and General Staff College. He Talking about writing, he be- holds a PhD in history from lieves in the Hemingway writing Queen’s University, Canada, which method, which means that he does- is only the top of his impressive n’t allow himself any treat before Dr James S. Corum educational background. He has writing at least a thousand words published numerous books and every day. articles, has given special lectures After staying for a couple of Looking in the future, he sees as and presentations and has been weeks in the College he is now one of his main task to create honoured with many awards. working on the long-term planning stronger ties with the University of To get a better overview of the and development of the curriculum. Tartu.

Promotions in Problems with ADL implementation BALTDEFCOL Mr Frederic Labarre (Head of DPSS) opment process which involves SINCE the beginning of January, SMEs, instructional designers and IT four members of the College Di- A BALTDEFCOL delegation personnel. recting Staff have been promoted. participated in a Cooperative De- The results of the event were In the beginning of January ar- velopment Team (CDT) training that the process works best if all rived the news that three Lithuanian event sponsored by Allied Com- ingredients are 3 ingredients are staff members, Arunas Dzidzevičius, mand Transformation (ACT) and present within one institution. Valerijus Šerelis and Vidas Zabiela, hosted at NATO’s CIS School in BALTDEFCOL’s efforts at ADL will have been promoted to the rank of Latina, . suffer by the lack of formally-trained Lieutenant Colonel. ACT’s intention was to train IT instructional designer. One solution, Happy news kept coming when specialists to use the ILIAS learning which the event allowed to explore, in the beginning of February was management system. BALTDEF- is a strategic partnerships to ex- announced that another staff mem- COL recently installed the system plore exchange options about in- ber, this time Estonian officer Aare and is implementing its use to host structional design. BALTDEFCOL Tuvike, was also promoted to the the material for the College’s pro- cannot be a credible ADL player rank of Lieutenant Colonel and an grams. In addition to providing an without this capability. Estonian AICSC student Rene opportunity to develop knowledge Toomse was promoted to the rank about the system, this training of Captain. event also tested the course devel-

BALTDEFCOL 10 Year Anniversary Review AS ten years has passed since 2008 in , a comprehensive the team from countries participat- the establishment of the BALTDEF- 10-year anniversary review of the ing in the BALTDEFCOL project. COL then it is just the right time to BALTDEFCOL project will be con- The mandate of the review will look back on the development of ducted by an independent interna- include the BALTDEFCOL manage- the project, and what is more im- tional board based team. ment, courses and curriculum, man- portant, look in which direction it The 9-10 member team will be ning and HNS issues. During the should develop in the future. headed by a retired German Briga- review the BALTDEFCOL staff as According to the decision taken dier General, Dr Klaus Wittmann well as representatives of Baltic by the Defence Ministers of Estonia, and will consist of three representa- Defence Ministries and Armed and Lithuania on the Ministe- tives from the and of Forces will be questioned. rial Committee meeting on 4 Dec. five experts invited by the head of NEWS Page 3

BALTDEFCOL 10 Year Anniversary

ON February 27th the BALT- tonia and Latvia, and from the De- DEFCOL will celebrate its 10th fence Minister of Lithuania H.E. Ms anniversary. The day will begin Rasa Jukneviciene. In addition, mu- with an open-door-day in the Col- sical appearances from groups and lege, where the guests and press choirs from the Baltic States and will have a chance to take a look at awarding of the BALTDEFCOL the everyday-life of the BALTDEF- medals for special services or fa- COL, have a tour on the premises vours to the College, will be part and ask questions from both stu- of the programme. dents and staff. Certainly a very interesting part The main event of the anniver- of the night will be a short movie sary day will take place in the eve- of the BALTDEFCOL’s develop- ning when the BALTDEFCOL 10 Year Anniversary logo ment through these 10 years of Commandant hosts the distin- existence, presenting some rare guished guests in the Dorpat Con- archive footages from the first ference Centre. The event will be fence Ministers of the three Baltic years of the College including the honoured by the presence of Esto- States. opening ceremony. nian President H.E. Mr Toomas- The programme of the event The evening will end with a Hendrik Ilves, Latvian President foresees speeches from the Com- festive dinner with musical enter- H.E. Mr Valdis Zatlers and the De- mandant and the Presidents of Es- tainment.

Mr Ronald LaGrone back in BALTDEFCOL

THIS February the new in- College. He retired from structor of NATO Combined Joint the Army in 2004, having Operations, LtCol (ret) William reached the rank of Lieu- Ronald LaGrone (USA), will arrive tenant Colonel. His main to the College. Ron LaGrone is work accomplishments already familiar with the institution during the last years are as he served in the BALTDEFCOL, mostly linked with hydro- as a founding member and Director geology and geo-statistics of Military Technology, from 1999 in support of environ- to 2002. mental restoration of Mr LaGrone’s educational re- heavy industrial sites. cord includes a Bachelor of Science In the BALTDEFCOL Mr William Ronald LaGrone degree in chemistry and a Master of Mr LaGrone will start Arts degree in liberal studies. His working on the development, co- the Joint Command and General military education includes the US ordination and teaching of com- Staff Course, and the Civil Servants Army Command and General Staff bined joint operations planning for Course.

BALTDEFCOL photo exhibition

CURRENTLY a photo exhibi- of its existence, are exhibited. tion “Through the history of the The exhibition will remain Baltic Defence College” is opened opened for one month, till the 16th in the Dorpat Conference Centre, of March and of course there is a on the fourth floor of the Tasku possibility to see the photos also shopping centre. during the 10 Year Anniversary Altogether 23 photos, which event taking place in the evening of The logo of Dorpat Hotel and Confer- reflect various moments from the February 27th. ence Centre BALTDEFCOL through its 10 years Page 4 COURSES BALTDEFCOL

Higher Command Studies Course (HCSC)

THIRTEEN students of the HCSC 2008 graduated on December 12 and the Course itself has been assessed as great success. Student Col Igors Rajevs (LVA A) was awarded with the HCSC “Writing Award” for his paper on the French Army development during the Interwar period. The Course is well stabilized and will need just minor changes in terms of further development. In May 2008 NATO’s Allied Command Transformation (ACT) accred- ited HCSC as a NATO course and was in- cluded in NATO Course Catalogue. Currently the staff has completed analy- sis of lessons identified and is working on development of the course plan for the Graduation of HCSC 2008 HCSC 2009, which will start on August 10th. So far the number of students expected to par- The planning for the Civil Servant Course (CSC) ticipate in the Course is 14 from Baltic, Western and has been started and is ongoing according to the outreach countries, however the final term for regis- schedule. Next CSC will start in January 2010. tration is the end of April.

New Army Intermediate Command and Staff Course (AICSC) is running as well as English tests, which was tions and foreign policy was just the successfully completed by all partici- beginning of the Course. A first test pants although some had to be in tactics was conducted and the tested twice. A reception finalized students are now working on an Col Olle Ljung the first long day and most of the essay in leadership and have also (Deputy Comman- students were probably happy to chosen their topic for the academic dant/Course Director return to their hotel rooms in the paper – the Individual Study Paper – AICSC/JCGSC) evening, trying to sort out all the which will follow them during the information given. main part of the Course. ON the January 7th, 38 new The main teaching format in the Looking forward, the teaching in army students knocked on the Col- College is in the “syndicate”. Each tactics which is the majority of the lege door eager to enter the build- syndicate has 7-8 students with Course will gradually be built up ing and finally start the AICSC mixed nationalities, representing and exercised at the College as well 2009. The majority of the students different branches or specialist ar- as during a one-week exercise in were as always from the Baltic eas. Each syndicate also has a Syndi- Latvia respectively in Lithuania and States but the College was also cate Guiding Officer (SGO), a staff a two-week exercise in Sweden. honoured to welcome 9 interna- member who will follow, guide, The students really have a filled tional students representing Azer- coach and assess “his” syndicate schedule for the coming months baijan, Macedonia, , members during the Course. To and a considerable time has to be , and . Dur- create a good group, the team spent also outside the scheduled ing the students self-presentation building activities during the first hours at the College. during the first week, it was very days were therefore important and The graduation on the 20th of obvious that all are bringing in ex- the students spent a day at the Col- May is still far away, but looking perience and knowledge that will lege doing some group exercises, back at previous courses, the time contribute to the overall outcome – including the creation of the syndi- runs quick. The first impressions an impressing group of people that cate shield. A more practical team from the Course are more than the College staff members are building was also conducted using good and I am looking forward to happy to take care of for the next the Tartu Agricultural Museum. the coming months together with 4,5 months. After the first “soft” start-up the staff and the students in the The first day was dedicated for activities, the real life began – AICSC 2009. in-processing activities, briefings teaching in leadership, tactics funda- about the College and the Course mentals, air support to land opera- DEPARTMENTS Page 5

Operations Department (OPD) forced. Mr Eric Sibul has joined us things such as exams… (unofficially he was with us already) Exams for all of us, this is kind LtCol Valerijus Šerelis so we are only “devil’s dozen” (i.e. of double-check of what students (Special Operations 13) at the moment. 14 weeks out have been managed to learn, and Forces and of 20 of the duration of the AICSC what we have managed to teach. So Information Operations) belongs to the learning area 1, far only first steps have been made, which is OPD’s “area of opera- Modules 101 “Tactics Fundamen- SINCE the last AICSC Opera- tions”, so we are as “multi-headed tals”, 102 “Estimate and BDE Staff tions Department, despite the fact monsters” acting as instructors, work” and 107 “Air Tactical Ops”, that it was not fully manned al- syndicate guiding and project offi- it’s a long way to go… Good luck, ready, has suffered “losses”: LtCol cers, head teachers, observers, but luck is not enough to hit the Brian Williams (USA), LtCol Willi controllers, scriptwriters, evalua- graduation party. All of us have to Wierscheim (GER), and LtCol Dipl tors and messengers. And the give our best efforts and contribu- Päd Bernhard Klotz (GER), have message is that the AICSC has just tion! left the BALTDEFCOL for good, started, and interesting things will but fortunately we were rein- happen, expect unexpected, simple

Department of Political and Strategic Studies (DPSS)

send Mr Didzis Nimants our way. helped the DPSS during a short We take this opportunity to budgetary crisis in 2008, the DPSS formally welcome him into the is lending the services of Mr Eric DPSS family and to the BALTDEF- Sibul to the OPD for the period Mr. Frederic Labarre COL in general. Mr Nimants is al- extending from January until De- (Head of DPSS) ready busy preparing Module 203 cember 2009. OPD, we are sure, for the AICSC. He has worked at will get much traction from having BALTDEFCOL staff may have the Latvian NATO delegation in Mr Sibul’s broad shoulders to the noticed a new face on the second Brussels, and also as advisor to the wheel. We should also note that floor… Is it a sign of the times or President Ms Vaira Vike-Freiberga. Mr Sibul is on the verge of being something else, but Latvia has re- It will be great to have him on the received as a Doctor of Philosophy. called Mr Aivars Purins to Riga as team. We wish him good luck with his part of a major reshuffling in Riga, As repayment of a debt owed thesis defence. and has been gracious enough to to the OPD, which has greatly

Department of Defence Management & Officership (DMO) Mr Villu Varjas (Editor) some of them means even thinking Meeting with the representatives of HAVING just finished their back to the Ministries of Defence (MoD) and last module in the AICSC, their Soviet Army guest lecturers in order to get eyes are already turned to the next times. more highlights about what should JCGSC . One of the highlights of T a l k i n g be the priority for the JCGSC the current AICSC was in the be- about the near teaching in LA3 as well as the as- ginning of February when the stu- future, LtCol sessment system of LA3 and how dents’ academic essays on leader- Zabiela says the teaching prior the assessment ship were presented. LtCol Vidas that right now should be conducted. Zabiela said that the results were they are look- In Vilnius they are also planning good and made him happy. He adds ing forward to to meet with the officials of the that the topic was interesting for the Vilnius LtCol Vidas Zabiela Lithuanian MoD to discuss possible the students, because they were Conference, to hear some new co-operation on sharing informa- asked to reflect their own experi- thoughts on resource fundamentals tion about resource planning. ences of their service, which for and project and crisis management. Page 6 STUDENTS’ PAGE BALTDEFCOL

The stories behind the syndicates badges Cesis The emblem of syndicate Cesis Džukste consists of three Borromean rings Džukste syndicate chose the representing unity, on the shield cross type shield for the reason that with a blue background. Inside the all of us are Christians. The flags rings seven golden stars symbolize symbolize the syndicate members’ the syndicate members. The five countries — Latvia, Estonia, Geor- national flags on the rim of the gia, Lithuania and SGO Poland. shield indicate from which nations Placed on the flags are the signs of the syndicate members are. The national armed forces. Sword sym- torch behind the shield signifies the bolizes the power and solidarity of importance of military society. The torch stands start doing it, no mater what would the education for knowledge and light that directs happen. Always look forward, with and the light of us straightforward to the knowl- hope and belief in final result! Our knowledge in edge. strength is our solidarity. Nobody in the syndicate. The logo is accompanied by the the syndicate cares that we are The green col- motto: ”Just do it…”. It tells us not from different countries and differ- our of the rib- to think about difficulties but just ent culture! bons repre- sents the Army-service Žalgiris together for good results. Like is from which all In 1410 took place the Battle of our syndicate motto “Unity is syndicate mem- Grunwald (Žalgiris) where common Power”. bers come forces defeated the crusaders of the Because books are symbolising from. On the ribbons the name of Teutonic Order. It was like an ex- knowledge there is a book as a the syndicate, the year and the ample to act together and reach holder of knowledge in the back- name of the course are written. ground. Inside the book on the left page are flags of our syndicate members’ Kalniskes nations. The five nations acting as Two circles shape the shield. one in team. We have a one goal, Both symbolize the cohesion and one vision and best result! unity of the syndicate. The motto Our symbols are the sword and Scientia est potientia (engl. – Knowl- the pen which are symbolizing old edge is and unique tools for helping com- power) is manders for successful leadership. in the upside of Sinimäed (edited) top and for us – to become at least the ex- The circular shape of the badge a one-star general in the future. ternal represents the shield as a symbol Yellow and green as the main circle. Six for unity and alliance, but moreover colours are well-known as the col- flags the will for continuous education ours of the Army and Senior Staff placed in and self-development. The book and Officers. Yellow is also the sun that the bot- feather show the importance of we bring on the streets of Tartu. tom of knowledge and the will to be good The motto – per aspera ad astra this circle: Georgian, Estonian, Lat- students. Blue Mountains (Sinimäed – represents our dedication to be- vian, Lithuanian and Moldavian point – in Estonian) in the centre stand come better educated officers and out which countries the students for the name of our syndicate. soldiers for our countries. are from. French stands for the Syn- As we are probably the most dicate Guiding Officer. The castle international syndicate, we wanted reminds that the College is located to express this internationality by in Tartu. The owl is wisdom’s sym- placing the flags of our nations bol. AICSC is the abbreviation of around the mountains. the Army Intermediate Command Over the mountains you can see and Staff Course. The syndicate’s a golden star which presents the name and the year of the course are will to reach to the sky, to be at the in a front of the castle. FUN & INFO Page 7

Fun & Info MOST of the information about cultural, sports to help them to find more easily activities for their and other events in Tartu circulates in Estonian and so leisure time. it can easily pass unnoticed by people who might be If there is any other important information about interested in it. anything that influences our everyday lives, it can be Tartu has hosted quite often performers, sports found from here. clubs etc. who belong to the absolute top, and en- Last and probably least—in the current newspaper riched so the environment where we are living in. trends there is one word that is a must-be in most of This section was created to offer the BALTDEF- the newspapers and therefore can also be found in the COL staff and students an assortment of these events Bugle, the ultimate stress-killer—SuDoKu.

Where to go in Tartu two main guests are Dazkarieh (Portugal) and Kilema (Madagascar). Cinema—Worldfilm 2009 Music—Jazzkaar, Winter Jazz—The Thomas 23.-29.03. , Kuperjanovi 1. Siffling Trio Worldfilm is an annual documentary film festival, de- 13.03. 19:00. Athena Centre, Küütri 1. The Thomas veloping interest towards anthropological, analytical Siffling Trio aspires towards balance between acoustic approach to cultures and societies. During the festival jazz and electronic groove music. Trumpet sound with week about 50 films will be screened. electronics, African instruments, modern beats. Groovy nu jazz that makes you relax and feel good! 4D-Cinema in Lõunakeskus

Cinema is opened every day. Currently 3 movies are Sports— being screened. The ticket prices range from 40 to 60 13.03. 19:00. Tartu University Sports Hall. Tartu Uni- EEK. More information can be found from the web- versity Rock hosts BC Šiauliai from Lithuania. page of the AHHAA Science Centre—www..ee.

Music—MaaJaIlm *More information about what is going on in Tartu can 07.03. Genialistide Klubi (Genialists’ Club) be found from the course websites (who have access), The traditional 1-day world music festival brings to the under the Cultural Events tab and also from Tartu’s Estonians music from all over the world. This time the culture webpage—kultuuriaken.tartu.ee.

SuDoKu Grammar lesson While working in an education institution it is not a bad idea to sometimes learn also some- thing ourselves. Students of course are eager to do that without telling. Here comes something that might come new even to the most eloquent among us. Stewardesses - is the longest word typed with only the left hand. And lollipop is the longest word typed with your right hand. Typewriter is the longest word that can be made using the letters only on one row of the keyboard. No word in the English language rhymes with month, orange, silver, or purple. Dreamt is the only English word that ends in the letters 'mt'. The sentence: “The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog” uses every letter of the alphabet. Page 8 STORY

Key Documents For The BALTDEFCOL

the BS on 14 June 1999 in Riga. This dence and work permits. document provides a more specific The most important administra- regulation on the status of the tive arrangements in effect are 14 BALTDEFCOL, its personnel and September 2007 MoU Con- Mr Olavi Jänes (LL.M, students. Regarding jurisdiction Es- cerning the Operation, Ad- Academic International tonian laws apply in the premises of ministration and Funding of Law) the College and in relation to any the BALTDEFCOL and BALT- acts, transactions etc of the College. DEFCOL Development Plan THERE are several documents The Protocol provides for inviolabil- 2007-1012. which form a legal basis for the ac- ity of the premises of the BALTDEF- The MoU provides an organiza- tivities of the BALTDEFCOL. This COL, but in case of the initiated tional structure for management of article offers a brief look into the legal procedures the College has a the College, consisting of Ministerial key texts. duty to co-operate. However, non- Committee, Military Committee, The founding treaty of the Col- Estonian Commandant and Deputy Baltic Management Group and lege, called “Agreement be- Commandant are exempt from ar- BALTDEFCOL Co-ordination tween Governments of Esto- Group. In addition, it provides regu- nian Republic, Latvian Republic “The courses at the lation on planning, conducting and and Lithuanian Republic on Bal- reporting of activities. It also deals tic Defence College” was signed BALTDEFCOL shall take into with issues like finance and account- on 12 June 1998 in Brussels by rep- consideration the political and ing, host nation support, command resentatives of the Baltic States and control, manning etc. (“BS”). This agreement provides geographic circumstances of The MoU is supported by the location of the BALTDEFCOL BALTDEFCOL Development Plan the BS, reflect national defence (Estonia), its goal (educating higher 2007-2012, which provides direc- staff officers and civil servants), tasks and concepts, employ tion and guidelines for development working language (English), and and operations of the College. It deals with several administrative NATO standards, principles and includes provisions on courses, or- issues. The courses at the College procedures and deepen the ganizational structure, manning, shall take into consideration the distribution of course vacancies and political and geographic circum- knowledge on the role and the outline of budgets, but sets out stances of the BS, reflect national tasks of the institutions related also development goals and means defence tasks and concepts, employ of achieving them. NATO standards, principles and to the European security.” Development Plan is supported procedures and deepen the knowl- by Annual Activity Plans, which edge on the role and tasks of the include specific manning plan for institutions related to the European rest and detention, but also from each following year, describe the security. legal procedures related to the acts distribution of course vacancies for The treaty also authorizes the committed in official capacity. each course and give a list of activi- Ministers of Defence of the BS to With regard to the personnel ties to be held. create an organizational structure the Protocol refers to NATO Although this article is focused for co-ordinating management and SOFA, but is flexible on granting on documents in effect and do not activities of the College. To that end similar protection to the College’s open the history of the BALTDEF- the ministers may conclude adminis- personnel coming from non-NATO COL, one may say that the College trative agreements (see below MoU and non-PfP countries. This shall be owes its existence greatly to the and Development Plan). The treaty effected through exchange of notes support of many nations, a number also states that the status of foreign between the Governments of BS. of which are still participating in this armed forces on the territory of a The dependants of the personnel common project. Those nations contractual party is subject to PfP (except those hired by the College) have been also parties to formal SOFA, which actually refers to the and students are granted automatic agreements concerning the College, text of the NATO SOFA. entry and right to temporary resi- e.g. 1998 MoU on Co-operation The founding treaty has caused dence in Estonia. In general, issues in the Establishment, Opera- the adoption of the other document like education and social care re- tion, Administration and Initial – “The Protocol on the Status main the liability of the sending Funding and Secondment of of the Baltic Defence College states. Personnel hired by the Staff to BALTDEFCOL. This and its Personnel”, signed by the BALTDEFCOL are subject to ordi- document was impressively signed representatives of Governments of nary Estonian regulation on resi- by 11 nations.