On 17 June 2026, the Baltic Defence College (BALTDEFCOL) held a Change of Command and Graduation Ceremony. Two significant milestones have been reached: the command of the BALTDEFCOL was officially handed from Lithuania to Latvia, and 104 students finished their academic journey here in Tartu.
The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Defence of Estonia, Mr Hanno Pevkur; the Minister of Defence of Latvia, Mr Raivis Melnis; the Vice-Minister of National Defence of Lithuania, Dr Karolis Aleksa; the Chief of Defence of the Republic of Latvia, Major General Kaspars Pudāns; the Mayor of Tartu, Mr Urmas Klaas; and other senior diplomatic and military representatives from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. This strong level of national participation underlined the importance of the occasion for regional defence cooperation and professional military education.
This year’s graduation comprised the Higher Command Studies Course (HCSC); the Joint Command and General Staff Course (JCGSC); and the Civil Servants’ Course (CSC). In total, 104 students from 16 nations graduated, which reflects the College’s continued role as a multinational centre of excellence for professional military education and civil-military cooperation in the Baltic region and beyond.
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The ceremony was opened by the Commandant, Brigadier General Alvydas Šiuparis, who highlighted the importance of the College by promising that the quality of education will be the highest priority. He congratulated all the graduates and encouraged them to outthink, outsmart and outplay our enemies – "only like this there is a way to defend our friends, our allies", he noted. In addition, the Commandant thanked both Class Leaders, Course Directors, all the Syndicate Guiding Officers, module coordinators and Faculty members.
The Commandant also used the ceremonial atmosphere to present Mr Hanno Pevkur, the Estonian Minister of Defence, with the BALTDEFCOL Medal of Merit Gold. The medal was awarded for his outstanding contribution to enhancing the reputation of the College, and for providing vital support to the educational and research development. "I really appreciate your continuing support, attitude – your actions, trust and support", the Commandant added.
Representatives from the three framework nations (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania) then delivered speeches highlighting the significance of this career milestone. They emphasised the lifelong professional networks and friendships forged in Tartu and expressed deep appreciation for the families supporting the students. One resonant takeaway from the speeches reminded the audience of the power of their coalition: "Who is next to you is more important than who is against you."
The event proceeded to the presentation of graduation certificates and course awards: Higher Command Studies Course with 28 graduates from 13 nations; Joint Command and General Staff Course with 69 graduates from nine nations; and Civil Servants’ Course with seven graduates from Baltic nations.
And as a tradition, best students of the graduating courses were recognised for their outstanding performance during their studies.
HCSC Awards:
- Best Student Award – COL Radek Pilar (CZE)
- Class Leader Recognition – COL Kasper L. Hovgaard (DNK)
- Academic Writing Award – LTC Katrin Tõugjas (EST)
JCGSC Awards:
- Commandant’s Award – LCDR Sandris Riekstiņš (LVA)
- Class Leader Recognition – MAJ Vaidas Jasonas (LTU)
- Academic Writing Award – MAJ Reet Stamm (EST)
- Joint Operations Award – MAJ Artūras Macijauskas (LTU)
- Academic Advisor Recognition – LTC Laura Marijke Tchorz (DEU)
- Best Course Mate Recognition – MAJ James H Shoop (USA)
CSC Awards:
Commandant’s Award – Mr Hannes Hugo Urbla
In keeping with tradition, the Class Leaders shared their reflections. Colonel Kasper L. Hovgaard, Class Leader for the HCSC, stated: "Navigating today's changing security environment requires more than just professional knowledge; it demands deep cohesion, cooperation, and lasting networks. We are incredibly grateful to the dedicated staff at the Baltic Defence College for preparing us for our future roles in defence." The HCSC voted Dr George Spencer Terry, Lecturer in Strategic Studies, as their Best Faculty Member.
The Class Leader of the JCGSC, Major Vaidas Jasonas, also emphasised how the multinationality and diverse backgrounds of the students strengthened the course. He paid tribute to the students' families, noting, "We could not stand here today without the unwavering support of the families who stayed behind. We now carry the responsibility to take what we have learned here and turn these small steps into giant leaps for our collective defence." The JCGSC voted Mr Olavi Jänes, Lecturer in International Law Studies, as their Best Faculty Member.
The Graduation Ceremony was followed by the Change of Command Ceremony. The College bid a formal farewell to Brigadier General Alvydas Šiuparis (Lithuanian Army) and warmly welcomed the incoming Commandant, Brigadier General Egils Leščinskis (Latvian Army).
In his farewell address, BG Šiuparis reflected on his three-year tenure. His leadership focused heavily on pushing past long-standing resource plateaus to secure critical staff expansion, modernise infrastructure, and pivot the curriculum toward digitisation and contemporary lessons from the war in Ukraine—solidifying BALTDEFCOL's reputation as NATO's most successful trilateral defence project. High-level representatives echoed these achievements, presenting BG Šiuparis with various awards in recognition of his success in elevating the College’s international standing.
With command now officially transferred to Latvia, the new Commandant, BG Leščinskis, pledged to preserve and build upon the College’s high standards and international reputation. He committed to investing in academic excellence, innovation, and operational relevance, ensuring the institution remains forward-looking and firmly linked to the real-world challenges faced by contemporary armed forces and societies. Ultimately, his vision centres on developing critical, adaptive leaders capable of seamless cross-border cooperation in today's uncertain security environment.
The day also marked a key transition within the non-commissioned leadership. College Sergeant Major and Course Director of the Command Senior Enlisted Leaders' Course (CSELC), Sergeant Major Alvydas Tamošiūnas, officially handed over his duties to the incoming Latvian Command Sergeant Major, Didzis Baltiņš.
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We send our warmest congratulations to all the graduates! We hope you will continue the road of self-development, and we wish you all the best in your future endeavors!
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