On 12 January, the Baltic Defence College (BALTDEFCOL) held the Opening Ceremony of the Higher Command Studies Course (HCSC) 2026.
The ceremony was honoured by the presence of RADM Giedrius Premeneckas, Chief of Defence Staff of the Lithuanian Armed Forces and Vice Chief of Defence.
A total of 28 participants from 14 NATO and partner countries began their studies in Tartu, aiming to strengthen their professional skills and develop as effective leaders, policymakers, and senior managers capable of making informed and strategic decisions.
The Commandant of BALTDEFCOL, BG Alvydas Šiuparis welcomed the students by congratulating the course participants for being selected for the course, describing it as a recognition of their professionalism. “It means the potential to contribute meaningfully to the security and stability of your respective nations and beyond,” he added. The Commandant also highlighted the importance of networking, as the relationships forged here will serve as invaluable assets throughout one’s career, fostering collaboration and mutual understanding.
The ceremony was honoured by the presence of RADM Giedrius Premeneckas, Chief of Defence Staff of the Lithuanian Armed Forces and Vice Chief of Defence.
A total of 28 participants from 14 NATO and partner countries began their studies in Tartu, aiming to strengthen their professional skills and develop as effective leaders, policymakers, and senior managers capable of making informed and strategic decisions.
The Commandant of BALTDEFCOL, BG Alvydas Šiuparis welcomed the students by congratulating the course participants for being selected for the course, describing it as a recognition of their professionalism. “It means the potential to contribute meaningfully to the security and stability of your respective nations and beyond,” he added. The Commandant also highlighted the importance of networking, as the relationships forged here will serve as invaluable assets throughout one’s career, fostering collaboration and mutual understanding.
The Commandant was followed by the distinguished guest, RADM Premeneckas, who delivered his keynote address on the evolving landscape of European defence and security, emphasising the need for adaptive and well-educated leaders. He also expressed his conviction that BALTDEFCOL can provide education to support this mission.During the ceremony, RADM Premeneckas also presented Maj Darius Černiauskas, the Military Assistant and Head of Commandant’s Office, with the Lithuanian Army Medal "For Distinction" in recognition of his dedication and high-level representation at the BALTDEFCOL. Additionally, Commandant BG Šiuparis used the occasion to award CSM Alvydas Tamosiunas, the College Sergeant Major and Course Director of Command Senior Enlisted Leaders' Course, with the Medal of Merit Silver, issued in December 2025. CSM Alvydas Tamosiunas was honoured for demonstrating outstanding leadership and commitment to professional military education.
The HCSC has had more than 360 graduates since the course started in 2004. The course continues to be the cornerstone of strategic-level leadership education in the Baltic. BALTDEFCOL is delighted to wish all the participants a successful academic journey full of determination, dedication and, of course, a bit of luck!
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